Tributes paid to 'charismatic and passionate' Raul Torras Martinez

Spanish TT competitor died during Tuesday's Supersport race

Tributes are being paid to Spanish TT competitor Raul Torras Martinez who died following a crash during the third and final lap of last night's Supertwin race.

The 46-year-old was killed at Alpine, between the 16th and 17th mile markers.

Torras was a popular rider, from Sant Hilari Sacalm, who often acted as a translator for other riders when competing abroad.

Manx rider, Conor Cummins, says he's 'gutted' about the news, saying Raul was 'a top bloke' who he was proud to call a friend.

I’m gutted about the news of Raul tonight. A real top bloke who along with his friends & team helped me massively. The commitment to make the journey from Spain to tackle the TT was incredible. Proud to call him a friend. Our thoughts & prayers are with Raul’s family & friends.

— Conor Cummins (@ConorCumminsIOM) June 6, 2023

British Superbike Rider, Glenn Irwin, says Raul was 'charismatic and passionate' and will be dearly missed:

Paul Phillips, TT Business Development Manager, says Raul was someone who 'lived for the TT', describing him as 'a gentleman in every way'. He's shared the final email exchange he had with Martinez, in which the rider wrote: 'Count on me for anything. It will be a pleasure, a privilege and a pride to be part of the TT.'

Terrible news this evening. Raul was a gentleman in every way.

Someone who lived for the TT. The last sentence of a recent e-mail he sent me summed up his love of the event:

"Count on me for anything. It will be a pleasure, a privilege and a pride to be part of the TT."

💔 https://t.co/8FRTDNComc

— Paul Phillips (@PaulPhillips_TT) June 6, 2023

'He was doing exactly what he wanted to do.' - Jim Hunter, Travelling Marshal.

Having got to know this guy when he first came to the Island in March 2016 for the Manx Grand Prix Newcomers weekend, I can pretty much say, without reservation, that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do… pic.twitter.com/YUwC5VAKqP

— Jim Hunter (@Jim_Hunter_MGP) June 6, 2023

Toll Racing, Raul's Superbike team this year, says it is 'devastated'.

Meanwhile, Raul's Supersport machine team, Optimark Road Racing, has also expressed its deep sadness and described the rider as 'a great friend'

Announcing his death last night, TT organisers said: 'Raul was an incredibly popular member of the paddock family, his smile was infectious and his love for the TT and the sport of road racing was apparent to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him.' 

You can find the full statement here.