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The racing world has lost a star.
Rally driver Samuel Ortiz, 30, died on May 29 in a car accident with his brother Jordi Ortiz, who was hospitalized, during the Rallye de La Cerámica race in Spain.
"During the second stage of the Rally de la Cerámica, held on Friday afternoon/evening," the Rallye Club Costa Azahar shared in a statement translated from Spanish on Facebook May 30, "brothers Jordi and Samuel Ortiz suffered a serious accident, resulting in the co-driver (Samuel) dying on the spot."
The committee reported that 32-year-old Jordi, who was driving the automobile, was taken to a local hospital "in a very serious condition."
The Rallye Club Costa Azahar has confirmed that the second day of the race will be canceled.
"After being made aware of the situation, the Organizing Committee of the Ceramic Rally 2026 has decided to suspend the race as a sign of grief and respect," the statement added. "We want to convey our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends of Samuel and the prompt recovery of Jordi."
Unlike circuit racing, which involves driving on a confined asphalt track, rally racing takes place on public highways through various terrains and can span several days.
Samuel and Jordi were traveling at night in the northeast province of Castellón when their car collided with a guardrail, according to the Castellón Province Fire Department's Facebook post on May 30. Samuel died before officials arrived.
Following the announcement, several motorsports personalities paid respect to the drivers, with Jose Ramon Planelles Sanchez remarking on Facebook, translated from Spanish, "A lot of sadness in our rally world."
"We are leaving a great person, always smiling," he added. "A big hug to your family and friends at the Rallye Club Costa Azahar."
Meanwhile, Villaviciosa Motorsport spoke out on the tragedy.
"We send our condolences to all the family and friends, much encouragement to all who knew him," the organization wrote on Facebook of Samuel. "We wish his brother Jordi Ortiz (driver) a speedy recovery."
