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Dubai expat dies in race crash at autodrome

Dubai - Dubai expat dies in race crash at autodrome His bike crashed due to faulty brakes during a race at the Dubai Autodrome.

A rookie racing class motorcycle driver died after an accident during the UAE Sportbike Championship at the Dubai Autodrome on Saturday. Confirming the fatal accident to Khaleej Times, the Dubai Police said the 48-year-old Italian died after his bike crashed due to faulty brakes.
Federico Fratelli, who had been working in Dubai as a finance professional for the past four years, was taking part in his first ever racing championship in the country. In the first race of the day, he had come in third - just two places behind three-time champion Mahmoud Tannir. During the second race, due to faulty brakes Fratelli lost control over his bike and crashed.
The race was stopped immediately and Fratelli was rushed to the nearest hospital. It was only later in the evening that fellow racers took to social media to announce his death.
According to the police, the body has been referred to the forensic laboratory for an autopsy. A case has been registered at the Barsha police station and further investigations are on.
Moments before going for the race, Khaleej Times had spoken to Fratelli and his passion for motorbikes was quite evident.
"During the day, I am a finance professional, but racing is my passion. And today was my first race in the UAE, which I thoroughly enjoyed," he said.

"I have always had a passion for bikes, cars and racing from my days back in Italy. When I first heard about the Autodrome, I was quick to come over. The guys I raced with today, I (had previously) watched them frequently from the stands.
He also talked about his fondness for Dubai. "I have been living here in Dubai for four years and I love it," he said.
Fellow racer Mahmoud Tannir took to Facebook to pay his respects. "In respect of a fallen fellow racer, the team and myself are holding off all posts for a while. Appreciate your support. RIP my friend...and Godspeed," he posted.
With inputs from Amira Agarib