Inquests into the deaths of two motorcycle competitors who died during qualifying sessions at this year’s Manx Grand Prix have been opened and adjourned.

Elliott Sam Naughton, known as Sam, lost his life during an afternoon session on August 19.

The 37-year-old gas engineer, from Castletown, ended up in a ‘wooded area’ following the incident at Doran’s Bend, near Glen Helen.

A post-mortem examination was carried out and his medical cause of death was confirmed as a base of skull fracture following a motorcycle collision.

Coroner James Brooks said: ‘Mr Naughton’s body can now be released to the family so funeral arrangements can take place. I extend my condolences to his family and friends for their loss.’

Posting on social media shortly after the tragedy, Sam’s wife Charlotte said: ‘I don’t think I’ll ever process yesterday. I am absolutely broken beyond belief.

‘Sam was my absolute world, my best friend, my partner in crime.’

An inquest was also opened and adjourned into the death of newcomer Mauro Poncini, who sustained fatal injuries in a red-flag incident at Cruickshanks Corner in Ramsey during a qualifying session the previous day, August 18.

The inquest heard that Mauro was a painter from Switzerland.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that he died from neck and chest injuries due to a motorcycle incident.

Mr Brooks also confirmed that his body could now be released and extended his condolences to his family and friends for their loss.

Following Mauro’s death, the Swiss Moto Federation said: ‘Mauro was a person with an exceptional heart, deeply caring towards his loved ones and everyone around him.

‘In Mauro, the Swiss motorcycling community has lost a passionate and deeply committed rider.’

Investigations into both deaths remain ongoing and the inquests were adjourned for full hearings at later dates.