Swiss racer died after sustaining chest and neck injuries in crash during qualifying at Manx Grand Prix, inquest told
Popular Swiss rider Mauro Poncini died after sustaining chest and neck injuries in a crash during qualifying at the Manx Grand Prix in August, an inquest has heard.
The 29-year-old came off at Cruickshanks in Ramsey on August 18.
Poncini, from Caslano in Switzerland, was a newcomer to the event.
The incident, which involved a second rider, happened at approximately 18:50 BST on the first lap of the evening qualifying session on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
A painter, Poncini was riding his own Yamaha Supersport machine when the tragic accident occurred.
He was also due to compete for Northern Ireland team Scott Racing on an Aprilia.
Poncini had previously raced at the North West 200, claiming a top-ten finish.
The inquest was adjourned, with coroner James Brooks passing on his condolences to Poncini's family and friends.
Darren Taubitz, representing the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), also expressed condolences on behalf of the organisers.
Poncini was the first of two competitors killed the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, with Manx rider Sam Naughton losing his life in a crash at Doran’s Bend on August 19.
Paying tribute to Poncini in a statement issued shortly after the fatal accident, race organisers said he was an “experienced competitor within the Supersport and Supertwin classes, with an established record of competing at a number of road racing events prior to making his Mountain Course debut”.
The statement added: “The Manx Grand Prix Races pass on their deepest sympathy to his father Florio, mother Manuela, sister Marzia and girlfriend Sharon, as well as his family and friends.”