Italian racer Andrea De Cesaris has passed away. The 55-year-old was killed in a motorcycle accident outside of Rome earlier today.

He was riding a Suzuki 600 and although the details of the accident are not yet known, he lost control and struck a guardrail. He was killed on impact.

De Cesaris competed in over 200 Grand Prix between 1980 and 1994. He never won, but he did procure one pole position and five podiums during his career. In fact, he held the record for the youngest pole-winner in F1 history for over two decades. A less flattering record is for going the most races without ever winnig.

This news comes as we await to see the fate of Jules Bianchi, who suffered a severe head injury in the Japanese GP today, falling unconscious.

Forza Jules and RIP Andrea.