MARCO SIMONCELLI what can you say. Italian rider Marco Simoncelli has died after a horrific crash at the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang. The race was stopped on lap two when Simoncelli's bike veered across the track at turn 11 into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. The 24-year-old had his helmet knocked off and was hit by both other riders. American rider Edwards also fell and dislocated his shoulder - while Simoncelli's fellow Italian Rossi was able to return to the pits. Simoncelli lay motionless on the track after the impact, while the race was immediately red-flagged. At first officials were looking to restart the race before the extent of Simoncelli's injuries became clear. The race was cancelled amid confusion in the grandstand, with fans throwing bottles to show their initial displeasure. The death is the first fatality in MotoGP since Japan's Daijiro Katoh died from injuries sustained at the 2003 Japanese GP while, last year, Japan's Shoya Tomizawa died in a similar crash to Simoncelli in a Moto2 race in San Marino. Simoncelli's death comes a week after British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon was killed in Las Vegas following a crash. BBC MotoGP presenter Matt Roberts said: "Marco lost his helmet in the crash. The officials said that, when the track medics got to him, he was in cardiac arrest. They tried to resuscitate him in the ambulance and the medical centre. "Both riders collided with him and the impact corresponded to him losing his helmet. The saddest thing is that Valentino [Rossi] and Marco were very close friends. "Colin [Edwards] has a dislocated shoulder and is in a lot of pain. He and Valentino are absolutely devastated." A MotoGP statement read: "On Sunday, 23 October, during the MotoGP race at the Sepang International Circuit, San Carlo Honda Gresini's Italian rider Marco Simoncelli suffered a serious accident wherein he sustained critical injuries. "The race was stopped immediately with the red flag and Simoncelli was transported by ambulance to the circuit medical centre where the medical staff worked to resuscitate him. "Despite their efforts, Marco sadly succumbed to his injuries at 4.56pm local time [0956 BST]. "Everybody involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Marco's family, friends and team at this tragic loss." And Sepang circuit chairman Mokhzani Mahathir added: "This is one-of-a-kind freak incident where the helmet came off and I am sure FIM [International Federation of Motorcycling] and MotoGP will be looking into this." Honda rider Simoncelli entered MotoGP for the 2010 season and won his first pole position at the Catalunya race in June this year. Simoncelli's first podium finish came in the Czech Republic in August when he finished third but he bettered that with a second-place finish at the Australian GP. World champion Casey Stoner said: "As soon as I saw the footage it just makes you sick inside. Whenever the helmet comes off that's not a good sign." British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow Tweeted: "RIP Marco Simoncelli! A great rider and all round nice guy. My thoughts are with all his family & friends. I will never forget today." Australian Formula 1 driver Mark Webber Tweeted: "RIP Marco. A special talent that will be missed. Thinking of your loved ones and all the MotoGP paddock." SIMONCELLI FACTFILE 1987, January: Born Cattolica, Italy 2002: Wins the European 125cc title 2008, June: Wins his first 250cc race at the Italian GP 2008, October: Wins the 250cc World Championship 2009: Finishes third in the 250cc World Championship 2010: Moves up to MotoGP class riding for Honda 2011, June: Claims first MotoGP pole at the Catalunya GP 2011, August: First podium finish at Czech Republic GP 2011, October: 2nd place at Australian GP
He was destined for greatness, my favourite rider of the current crop and a massive loss to Motorsport. RIP and thoughts are with family, friends and fans the world over
Such a shame. An amazing talent and even better character. How terrible for Edward and Rossi who were involved but couldn't do a thing!!
The man was so determine even until the very end he never gave up! What a massive loss he is, rip Marco. Posted on my HTC Sensation with Tapatalk
I had a tear in my eye he was the entertainment in Moto gp such a talent he will sorely be missed in the paddock on track . My most sincere thoughts go out to his family RIP buddy lets hope theres a big enough track up there for you
Oh man so sad Just in from work and heard. I'm so gutted. He was a true character and for sure a future champion. RIP Marco
R.I.P. Marco Simoncelli #58 Cruelly robbed of the greatness that he was destined to enjoy. I'm choked. JD
RIP Marco........a breath of fresh air, moto gp has been robbed of a true genius, yes a maverick at times but just what the sport needed................ had a tear in my eye as soon as i watched that accident....
A tragic tragic accident and Loss of life, my thoughts are with Marco's family and close friends. RIP Marco you will be missed by all race fans
Press conference: Race Direction press conference: Marco Simoncelli Paul Butler opened the press conference, saying: “The purpose of this press conference is to appraise you of the circumstances that resulted in the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli. You know who we all are, the Race Direction; Claude Danis who is the FIM representative, Javier Alonso the Dorna representative, Franco Uncini the riders’ representative, and I’m Paul Butler the IRTA representative and Race Director. Michele Macchiagodena is our Medical Director and he will explain to you the circumstances that resulted in this death.” Michele Macchiagodena said: “I’m very sad to be here to report about the death of Marco Simoncelli, a friend. Because of the crash he had during the race, in which he was hit by other riders, he suffered a very serious trauma to the head, to the neck and the chest. When our medical staff got to him he was unconscious. In the ambulance because there was a cardiac arrest they started CPR (cardiac pulmonary resuscitation). Immediately in the Medical Centre, with the help also of the Doctor of our staff at the Clinica Mobile and local Doctors, he was intubated and it was possible to take off some blood from the thorax. The CPR was continued for 45 minutes because we tried to help him for as long as we thought it was possible. Unfortunately it was not possible to help him and at 16:56 (local time) we had to declare he was dead.” Paul Butler responded to a question about Marco Simoncelli’s helmet coming off in the crash by saying: “I think if I may reply, that will be for another occasion. Quite clearly the consequences and circumstances surrounding the accident will be thoroughly investigated.” Answering a question about the condition of Colin Edwards, who was involved in the incident, Michele Macchiagodena said: “He had a dislocation of the shoulder and with anaesthesia the shoulder now is in the correct position. He is fine.” Paul Butler concluded the press conference by adding: “Our sympathies go to his family and we want to show every respect possible to Marco.”
RIP Marco, what a great guy. Thoughts to his family, friends and us his fans. Im going out for a meloncholy ride. Ride safe all
RIP #58 Marco Simoncelli aka Side Show Bob Moto GP Champion in the making.. Will be sadly missed, heart goes out to Family and friends..
