Written by Simon Paice
To say Motorsport is going through a tough spell is an understatement.
Just a week after the tragic passing of British star Dan Wheldon in America, the Motorsport community has been hit by the death of motorbike star Marco Simoncelli.
Simoncelli, racing in his second season in MotoGP with a factory-spec Honda, died after an accident at the Malaysian round of the MotoGP series at Sepang. On lap two, Simoncelli came off his bike and was hit by a rider behind, his race helmet coming off in the process. After being whisked off to hospital, it was announced at 4.56pm local time that Simoncelli had passed away from the injuries suffered, with the race having already been cancelled.
The feisty Italian always caught the eye with his eccentric character and hair style to match. Those in the know rated him as the next Valentino Rossi, a bright young talent set for great success in years to come. His aggressive, no nonsense style brought him many fans. It also proved successful, with Simoncelli being a former European 125cc champion and World 250cc champion, while his short MotoGP career had seen him pick up two podium finishes and two pole positions.
Simoncelli’s death is the first in MotoGP since 2003, but the third devastating death in bike racing in the last fifteen months. Shoya Tomizawa, a gifted Japanese racer, died in a similar crash in Moto2 last year, and great British talent Ben Gautrey passed away after an incident at Lincolnshire circuit Cadwell Park earlier this year.
Simoncelli will be remembered for his entertaining style and loveable personality. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Tags: crash, marco simoncelli, moto gp, motorsport, sepang, Simon Paice
Rest in peace MARCO, miss u…