In this time of difficulty, the coronavirus pandemic has annoyed plenty of people, especially in the sporting sector. However, it is easy to forget the deeper impact that the virus has on the wider community on a personal level. MotoGP rider Esteve ‘Tito’ Rabat, found that out the hard way.

Over the past week, the Spaniard had been forced to deal with the loss of both of his grandparents four days apart. One of them passed away after losing the fight in to a long-standing illness, the other one passed away due to the COVID-19 virus.

According to GPOne.com, the former Moto2 Champion’s grandfather Rosendo Rabat passed away after a long illness. Soon afterwards, the coronavirus pandemic claimed the life of Rosa Sabater Rabat, four days later.

How are MotoGP riders aiding in the fight against the coronavirus?

Riders have been at the forefront of the campaigns to encourage people to stay at home in the midst of this crisis. The pandemic has reached a point where it has claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people globally.

The coronavirus disease originated in China and it spread like wildfire from there. Since then, Europe has become the epicentre of the virus? spread with Italy now the worst affected nation having suffered almost 5,000 of those deaths.

In recent days though Spain has also experienced a sharp spike in cases and deaths. As a result, it is now close to becoming the third worst affected nation globally.

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The good news is that there have been wonderful acts of kindness across the community. MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi reportedly donating a large sum of money to his local hospital. Meanwhile the SIC58 foundation began a crowdfunding page for people to donate.

Coming back to Tito Rabat, he was supposed to partner Johann Zarco at Avintia Ducati when the 2020 season began. Rabat is the only rider with a confirmed contract for 2021 before the start of this year. Zarco recently left the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and was part of an upgrade to the Ducati team?s deal.