Update - June 8, 2022: The Isle of Man TT Races have now stated that they believe it was Cesar Chanal who died at the scene after an apparent case of mistaken identification. Lavarel remains in a critical condition. Both competitors' families have been informed.
The Isle of Man TT has been rocked by a second death at this year's event after sidecar competitor Olivier Lavorel was killed during Saturday's racing.
Lavorel, 35, from France, was involved in a crash at Ago’s Leap on the opening lap of the race.
He was a passenger to César Chanel who was airlifted to Aintree Hospital in a critical condition.
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The event was immediately red flagged before organisers called a halt to the day's racing.
It is the second death recorded at this year's TT after Welsh competitor Mark Purslow died following an accident during Wednesday evening's practice sessions.
In a statement released on Saturday night, Isle of Man TT organisers said: "The Isle of Man TT Races regrets to confirm that Olivier Lavorel, 35, from Sillingy, France was killed in an incident during the first Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races.
"The accident occurred at Ago’s Leap, just under one mile into the Course, on the opening lap of the race.
"Olivier was competing in his first TT as a passenger to César Chanel. César was taken to Noble’s Hospital by road and airlifted to Aintree Hospital in a critical condition.
"Olivier and César were both newcomers at the Isle of Man TT Races and had been elevated from start number 39 to start number 21 after qualifying as the 15th fastest pairing, having posted an impressive lap speed of 108.420mph.
"An experienced pairing, Olivier and César had taken numerous victories and podiums in the French F1 and F2 National Sidecar Championships.
"The isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Olivier’s family, friends and loved ones, and our thoughts and best wishes are with César at this time."
The organisers added: "The road racing community is like no other in motorsport; particularly within the world of sidecars.
"The loss of Olivier will be felt throughout the paddock."
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