Inquest into death of French sidecar racer reconvened 

César Chanal died during first sidecar race of TT 2022

The inquest into the death of French TT racer has re-opened at Douglas Courthouse.

Sidecar competitor César Chanal died at the scene, near Ago’s Leap, on 4 June last year, during the first sidecar race.  

At Douglas Courthouse today (16 February) Coroner of Inquests Jayne Hughes reconvened proceedings into the 32-year-old’s death telling his family: “No-one in this courtroom is on trial today.”

The court was played footage of the crash which was filmed by spectators who were watching the racing – evidence was also heard from a marshal, and an off-duty paramedic, who were at the scene.

Mr Chanal’s passenger – Olivier Lavorel – was seriously injured in the incident and died at a hospital in France in October.

The inquest will continue this afternoon and tomorrow.