pictures: Gresini Tribute Simoncelli on Valencia GP

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Kevin Schwantz to lead Simoncelli lap of honour

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Kevin Schwantz to ride Marco Simoncelli's RC212V during a lap of honour by riders from all three classes at Valencia - followed by a two-minute firecracker display.

The MotoGP community has been paying tribute to Marco Simoncelli throughout this weekend's Valencia season finale - and race day morning will see a further special tribute to the former 250cc world champion.

At 10.10am local time on Sunday, riders from all three World Championship classes have been invited to depart from Pit Lane as a group, and complete a lap of the track in honour of Simoncelli.

The procession will be led by Simoncelli's San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V MotoGP bike, which will be ridden by 1993 world champion Kevin Schwantz, a friend of the late Italian.

The riders will stop just short of the finish line, with local authorities and representatives of MotoGP's governing bodies (Dorna, IRTA and the FIM) congregating on the other side of the finish line alongside Simoncelli's family and members of the Gresini team. 

Paddock members will also be present on track.

Once the bikes have taken up their positions on the start/finish straight a two-minute Valencian Mascletà (a traditional firecracker display) will take place.

source: crash

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Simoncelli remembered throughout Valencia weekend

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Tributes are being paid to the Italian at the final race of the 2011 season, and his fellow MotoGP riders will gather on track with their bikes on Sunday.

Marco Simoncelli’s memory is being honoured in a number of ways at this weekend’s Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana, the final round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

Just under two weeks on from the 24 year-old’s tragic death in Malaysia the entire MotoGP community is marking the close of the 2011 season with a series of fitting tributes to the charismatic and popular rider.

A 16-metre wall with Simoncelli’s iconic number 58 has been put in place at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, upon which visitors to the track can write their own personal messages throughout the weekend.

Simoncelli’s fellow MotoGP riders will then gather on track with their bikes on Sunday following the morning warm-up session and pay their own special respects to the former San Carlo Honda Gresini rider.

source: motogp official

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Spies: I can’t believe I won’t be battling Marco

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Having been ruled out of the Australian Grand Prix due to a fast qualifying fall, then forced to abandon a comeback at the following Malaysian round, Ben Spies is aiming to start his first MotoGP race since October 2 this weekend at Valencia.

Valencia will be far from a 'normal' event, with MotoGP coming to terms with the tragic loss of Marco Simoncelli at the previous Sepang race. 

Spies and Simoncelli had battled on numerous occasions this season – finishing next to each other in the race results on five occasions. 

Unlike some, Spies had no complaints about Simoncelli's riding during their battles and will miss racing him.

“I can't believe I won't be battling Marco on the track this weekend, it's an incredibly sad way to finish the season," said Spies. "I'm going to honour him in the best way I know how, on the track."

"Everyone is affected by the sad passing of Marco Simoncelli," added factory Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli. "This last race of the season would usually be marked by a party to celebrate our year but this is not now in keeping with the mood and feeling of the team. As such we will wrap up with our yearly technical presentation and a quiet team dinner. "

Spies was also recovering from injury for the 2010 season finale at Valencia, when he qualified sixth and finishing just off the podium in fourth.

"As with last year I arrive in Valencia recovering from injuries, but will of course give 100% of my efforts into performing to the best of my ability," Spies said.

Spies is presently fifth in the world championship. He cannot catch Dani Pedrosa and is 17 points ahead of Simoncelli and Valentino Rossi, who are tied for sixth.

With Jorge Lorenzo unfit to race due to his finger injury, Spies will again be joined by test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga.

"We have Nakasuga-san with us having to learn the Valencia circuit for the first time, and Ben still not 100% after his crash in Australia," said Meregalli. "Despite this we will give our maximum effort to mark the final race of our 50th anniversary year and to honour the memory of Marco Simoncelli.”

Spies and Nakasuga will ride in the special 50th anniversary red-and-white colours this weekend.

Lorenzo, who attended Simoncelli's funeral in Italy last week, may return for next week's 1000cc test.

source: crash

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Simoncelli and Aldo Drudi remember signing two helmets Special Edition

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"We have wasted a lot of talk about what has happened in Sepang ... Of my friend I only Sic, and I know for a fact, that he would not traded a second of his life with a life ... 'normal' life without a bike" . Aldo Drudi , calling itself the creator of the pilot fighetto, has honored his friend Marco Simoncelli in an interview to MAX (on newsstands and on iPad Thursday, November 3) with a special issue dedicated to the two wheels, the celebrated designer with two helmets special edition .

"The biggest regret is that it has had time to show the great man who was on the track and in life. He was one who could throw your heart over the obstacle, always " . The love of two wheels at the quarry Drudi shared with Valentino Rossi and Marco Simoncelli himself: "If I had not the passion of the bike I doubt I'd understand the fear but also the courage, the courage which is necessary because it is not unconscious ... When the possibility of the fall becomes a reality, we are appalled, embarrassed, as betrayed. So I feel by the Malaysian Grand Prix. "

The well-known designers do not even have doubts about the quality of driving SuperSic: "... He was a true racer, as they say in Romagna: a free-range, heavy shoes and brain up. The leadership of Sic was physical but never rude. It was so in character: conciliatory even in times of friction, then, on the track, better than any he will also be sophisticated, but Lorenzo has the limits of built. "

Drudi will surely give a contribution in the last race of the season scheduled for next weekend in Valencia. It seems that Valentino Rossi wants to remember his friend Super Sic in a particular way. Jumpsuit, helmet and somehow remember Desmosedici Marco # 58 . If you have any suggestion to write this @ UccioYellow46 .

source: motoblog

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Paul Simoncelli, "A minute of casino to remember Mark"

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In addition to the multiple images created by fans on the bike and coveralls which should lead to the track Valentino Rossi to remember Marco Simoncelli, who died tragically last Sunday in Sepang, Paul Simoncelli , Sic's father, spoke again and makes a request for the race in Valencia .

Rather than a minute of silence, as is usually done in these cases to remember a deceased, the Grand Prix of Valencia scheduled in a week "I was made ​​a minute of messing around with all the bikes in MotoGP, Moto2 and 125 lit roaring along. And 'people come from all over Italy and abroad to greet Mark - says Paul - and I am mourn, to console them. Sometimes I think that Mark was an angel. This heat makes me feel so much better and is helping us too. I think the key to all this affection is his smile. " A request, perhaps unusual, but in line with the style of Super Sic.

Paolo Simoncelli also does not hide the joy about the fact that the circuit of Misano is entitled to his son: "It would be a huge gift, that circuit he liked less than others, but it would be a wonderful gift and if they did I would be willing to make a Marco museum with his suits and his things because the fans can pay homage to him. Mark I took it home with me he is home with us and sometimes squeeze me strong. "

source: motoblog

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Marco Simoncelli: Career Achievements

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By the time he arrived on the Grand Prix scene as a 15 year-old Marco Simoncelli already had a wealth of experience and titles behind him, and his entry into the World Championship arena in 2002 was the start of a career marked by success, ambition, determination, some controversy and plenty of admiration as he progressed through the classes to become one of MotoGP’s most recognisable stars by the time of his tragic death on October 23rd 2011.

Growing up in Coriano, some 10km from the Misano World Circuit, Simoncelli spent his youth racing on the Italian east coast and was a frontrunner in the Italian Minimoto Championship from 1996 to 2000 – a competition he won on more than one occasion.

Stepping onto 125cc machinery after his exploits in minibikes Simoncelli was quick to adapt, riding in the Italian National Championship in 2001 and then taking the European 125cc title the following season. It was in 2002 that he made his World Championship debut, riding six rounds of the 125cc campaign before a first full season the next year.

2004 saw the then 17 year-old take his first GP victory – which was also his first podium result and his first start from pole position – when he won at a rain-soaked Jerez on his way to 11th overall in the standings. Simoncelli’s final season in the category in 2005 produced six podiums in total, including another win at Jerez, as he ended the year fifth overall taking further steps forward.

Moving up to the 250cc category for 2006 it took two seasons for Simoncelli to settle in and find his feet, and when he did so it was in stunning style. 2008 did not start in the most encouraging manner as Simoncelli failed to score points in the opening two rounds, but in Round 3 at Estoril he qualified on pole for the first time in 250s and finished the race in second – his first podium in the class. From there, Simoncelli’s season took off in a phenomenal fashion. He took his first 250cc win in his home GP at Mugello, the sixth round of the campaign, and only finished outside the top three on one more occasion on his way to the title. Winning six races and stepping onto the podium a total of 12 times in 2008, Simoncelli was the first Gilera rider to win the 250cc title and became the first man to take the intermediate crown after not scoring points in the first two rounds since Dieter Braun in 1973.

Speculation linked the charismatic new 250cc World Champion with a move up to the MotoGP class but Simoncelli opted to stay and defend his title. He again displayed his fearless riding style as he engaged in a series of great battles, taking the title fight to the final round in Valencia where he eventually lost out to Hiroshi Aoyama. Simoncelli finished the campaign in third, having won six races, and was by now ready to make the step up to the top level.

Pre-season testing for the 2010 campaign was something of a baptism of fire for Simoncelli, who was shaken by a big crash at the second Sepang Test. He was back on the bike for the final Qatar outing however, and then finished his first MotoGP race at the same Losail circuit one month later in 11th place. Simoncelli gained in confidence as his rookie season went on, steadily improving his qualification and race results and ending 2010 with a strong run of notable displays which included fourth in the penultimate round at Estoril, where he was unlucky to miss out on a podium spot.

With a full season’s experience behind him his second year in MotoGP saw Simoncelli get off to a flying start, as he immediately set about converting the promise shown towards the end of 2010 into results in 2011. After a top-five finish in the first round in Qatar, he then crashed out of the Jerez race when leading in only the second race of the campaign. Next time out Simoncelli secured his first second-row start, in Portugal, and a first premier class pole position came shortly after in Catalunya as the excitement surrounding the daring Italian continued to grow.

Another pole followed at Assen but Simoncelli was unable to seal that elusive podium spot that seemed an almost certainty every time he took to the track, something he finally managed at Brno where he took third position in the Czech GP to great acclaim.

Fantastic rides continued to flow as he finished fourth for three races in a row at Misano, Aragón and Motegi, the last of which saw Simoncelli prevail in a toe-to-toe race-long battle with age-old rival Andrea Dovizioso. Just two weeks later at Phillip Island Simoncelli again held off his compatriot in an epic fight to take second place, his best-ever MotoGP result.

Qualifying on the second row for the Malaysian GP Simoncelli was battling with Álvaro Bautista for fourth position in the race when he crashed on lap two, sustaining the injuries which brought to an untimely end a rapidly evolving rider and individual who was hugely admired both on and off the track.

Marco Simoncelli’s World Championship career:

2002: 125cc World Championship – 33rd position on an Aprilia, 6 starts, 3 points

2003: 125cc World Championship – 21st position on an Aprilia, 15 starts, 31 points

2004: 125cc World Championship – 11th position on an Aprilia, 13 starts, 79 points, 1 win

2005: 125cc World Championship – 5th position on an Aprilia, 16 starts, 177 points, 1 win

2006: 250cc World Championship – 10th position on a Gilera, 16 starts, 92 points

2007: 250cc World Championship – 10th position on a Gilera, 17 starts, 97 points

2008: 250cc World Championship – 1st position on a Gilera, 16 starts, 281 points, 6 wins

2009: 250cc World Championship – 3rd position on a Gilera, 15 starts, 231 points, 6 wins

2010: MotoGP World Championship – 8th position on a Honda, 18 starts, 125 points

2011: MotoGP World Championship – 6th position on a Honda, 16 starts, 139 points

source: motogp official

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Marco Simoncelli: 1987-2011

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MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli was laid to rest in his hometown of Coriano, in Rimini, Italy today (Thursday), after losing his life on lap two of last Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. 

Fast, fearless and unforgiving on the racetrack, Simoncelli was a racer in the purest sense of the word. Rock-star hair and a smiling 'gentle-giant' personality completed the image of a timeless motorsport maverick. 

His manager Carlo Pernat described Simoncelli as "a rider from a bygone era" and the 24-year-old sadly joins many of those from an earlier time who paid the ultimate price for pursuing their motorsport dreams. 

One glance at Simoncelli indicated he didn't live an ordinary life and the exciting Italian made a close connection with fans around the world, defying those who believe popularity is directly proportional to results. 

Simoncelli was yet to win in MotoGP, but looked set to one-day inherit close friend Valentino Rossi's role as the sport's most recognisable and perhaps most popular character, especially as his developing English improved. 

On track, Simoncelli's heart-on-a-sleeve riding style often grated with the clinical precision and tactical approach rewarded by the easy-to-upset 800cc bikes. 

Simoncelli preferred to attack each corner like he was trying to go faster than ever before and battled furiously for every position. Nothing was given away and every chance taken. It was a warrior mentality that those who dream of racing motorcycles like to believe they would possess. 

The downside was too many accidents and Simoncelli had numerous run-ins with Race Direction, most recently after his controversial clash with Dani Pedrosa at Le Mans in May. 

Widely criticised by some fellow riders in the aftermath, Simoncelli and his supporters felt he was being singled-out for past misdemeanours. The majority of fans appeared to agree, with a Crash.net poll showing 67% believed Simoncelli's ride-through penalty, which robbed him of a first podium, had been unfair.

But any rider whose biggest fault is effectively trying too hard is difficult to dislike - at least by those that don't have to race him - and it's a charge most of motorsport's best have faced at some time or another. It's the driving force necessary to reach the very top. 

'Super Sic' seemed to mature as a MotoGP rider during the second half of this season and those who battled the #58 without bearing a grudge from past clashes had few complaints. Ben Spies, for example, saw nothing untoward during their numerous close battles this year. 

Despite his hard-riding reputation, the accident that claimed Simoncelli's life could have happened to anyone. Not just in motor racing, but any fast-moving sport where a fallen competitor can be hit others - cycling, horse racing, skiing. 

Shoya Tomizawa's fatal accident in the Moto2 class at Misano followed the same tragic scenario. Thankfully, most are more fortunate. 

Think back to Brno 2010 and Andrea Dovizioso, one of the safest riders in a dangerous sport, losing the front and sliding into the middle of the track on the exit of the turn. Following competitors threaded their way around him and Dovizioso walked away. Such is the fine line of fate. 

We will never know what Simoncelli would have achieved in MotoGP, but 1993 world champion Kevin Schwantz believes Simoncelli was one of the sports three future 'standouts', alongside Marc Marquez (Moto2) and Maverick Vinales (125). 

Certainly, Simoncelli's past history in the 125 and 250cc classes suggests he was far from reaching his MotoGP potential. 

It was only in his third season in each of the two-stroke world championships that Simoncelli had suddenly begun to shine, putting his two poles and two podiums in his second year of MotoGP into perspective. 

Simoncelli's best MotoGP result, of second place, came at Phillip Island just one week before his death. Simoncelli holds sixth in the world championship, despite non-scores in four rounds. 

Although he tended to build-up to grand prix success, it shouldn't be forgotten that Simoncelli also claimed a podium finish on his World Superbike (and four-stroke) debut at Imola in 2009. 

Few doubt Simoncelli would have been a MotoGP race winner, especially with a factory-Honda/Gresini contract extension already signed for the start of the 1000cc era, when Simoncelli's physical size would have been less of a disadvantage. 

"It was an amazing experience. 50 laps of pure adrenaline," Simoncelli had said after his debut 1000cc test at Motegi earlier this month. "The bike is so much fun and it keeps pulling in fifth and sixth gear." 

Sadly we will never get to see Simoncelli bullying an RC213V, as surely he would have, but the memory of a hard-riding and fast-smiling racer will remain with all those that saw him. 

Simoncelli was born in Cattolica, Italy, on January 20, 1987. He raced in the Italian Minimoto Championship from 1996 to 2000, winning the title in his last two seasons. 

Success continued when he made the transition to full-sized motorcycles, clinching the Italian 125cc Championship in 2001 and the European Championship in 2002. 

That season also saw Simoncelli's debut in the 125cc World Championship, where he scored points in his second race with a 13th place for Matteoni Aprilia at Estoril.

A short-haired Simoncelli remained with the team for a full season of grand prix competition in 2003, where he showed the first signs of his future success with fourth place - from third on the grid - in the Valencia finale. 

A switch to the Rauch Aprilia squad for 2004 brought his first grand prix victory (from pole) in round two at Jerez, but no further wins followed until he repeated the feat the following year. 

2005 was to be the already oversized Simoncelli's best in 125cc, with five further podiums and fifth in the overall standings. 

Simoncelli then began a long-association with the factory Metis Gilera team when he stepped up to the 250cc class for 2006. 

The #58's first two seasons brought regular top ten finishes, but also frequent DNFs and Simoncelli started what would be his title-winning 2008 campaign without even a podium in the quarter-litre class. 

Simoncelli then failed to score in the first two rounds, but hit his stride with second from pole in Portugal, before celebrating his first 250cc win in front of his home fans at Mugello - after clashing with Hector Barber along the home straight with one lap to go. 

His five further victories were less controversial and Simoncelli was crowned champion one round early, at Sepang, before finishing the year 37 points ahead of future MotoGP rival Alvaro Bautista. 

Bautista and Simoncelli would swap places several times on the opening lap of the fateful Sepang 2011 race. 

Simoncelli matched his five race wins during the 2009 season, but lost out on the final 250cc title to future MotoGP team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama. One again, drama was never far from Simoncelli, who had missed the opening race due to a fractured wrist sustained in a motocross accident - then took pole for round two, only to suffer a flat tyre in the race. 

Three other DNFs dropped him to third in the final standings, but his speed was never in question and Simoncelli moved to MotoGP with fellow Italian Fausto Gresini's Honda team at the start of 2009. 

After a shaky start adapting to his new machinery, Simoncelli built his speed throughout the year - finishing all but two races and just missing out on a podium in the penultimate round in Portugal. 

With a year's experience under his belt and the full backing of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Simoncelli was threatening the frontrunners even before the 2011 season began, leading one day of official winter testing. 

His speed was underlined by five consecutive front row starts, including two poles - but he fell in five races, including while leading at round two in Jerez, and suffered the penalty for a hard re-pass on Pedrosa in France. 

Nevertheless, Simoncelli was a top six rider in all but two races he finished this year and - having removed pressure from his shoulders with a debut podium at Brno - finished outside the top four only once in the six rounds prior to Sepang. 

Simoncelli died while trying to chase down the race-leading Repsol Hondas, believing that a third podium - and possible a debut win - was within his grasp. 

14 wins, 31 podiums and 1 World Championship. Those are the bare statistics by which most riders' careers are measured, but Simoncelli was so much more than that. 

The final words go to Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., who gave the following tribute: 

“Marco Simoncelli was a passionate rider bubbling over with a challenging spirit and blessed with a cheerful personality. With a promising future on the Grand Prix circuit, Marco had both genuine ability and a large following among racing fans. We are very thankful for his sterling results riding for Honda Racing Corporation as a factory rider. We express our heartfelt condolences to Marco's family.” 

source: crash

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Emotional funeral service bids farewell to Marco Simoncelli

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Thousands of mourners came together for the funeral of Marco Simoncelli held at the Santa Maria Assunta church in Coriano on Thursday, October 27th.

A huge gathering of fans, friends, family members and prominent figures from the world of sport attended the funeral service for the MotoGP rider who passed away on Sunday. The funeral was held at 3pm on Thursday at the Santa Maria Assunta church in Coriano, Simoncelli’s hometown, close to Riccione in the Italian province of Rimini.

The casket arrived at the Assunta church carried by friends and members of the Gresini team, and at 3pm the service commenced. Simoncelli’s Gilera bike, on which he won the 2008 250cc World Championship title, and the Honda RC212V, on which he competed in the MotoGP class were displayed on either side of his casket.

The ceremony was broadcast on a large video screen outside of the church, as well as on an additional large screen installed at the nearby Misano circuit, so that those outside of the church and at the circuit could witness the ceremony. Prior to the service the screens ran footage of the 24 year-old at his charismatic best in the paddock.

Alongside Marco’s father Paolo, mother Rosella, sister Martina and girlfriend Kate, in attendance were current and former fellow riders including Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini, Alex Criville, Simone Corsi, Yuki Takahashi, Raffaele de Rosa, Chaz Davies, Mattia Pasini, Manuel Poggiali, Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso, Randy de Puniet, Loris Capirossi, Toni Elias, Hiroshi Aoyama and Alex de Angelis.

Also present at the services were FIM president Vito Ippolito and CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, who commented on the services.

“What I experienced this afternoon in Coriano was very moving. After seeing the turnout of citizens, fans and the whole paddock there is no doubt that a great rider and a brilliant person has left us. The outpouring of affection that has been shown demonstrates that he has left his mark.”

“I was impressed by the courage of Marco’s family, and especially the strength of his father, Paolo, who was able to transmit his strength and energy to others.”

“It has been extraordinary to see the MotoGP family come together for Marco Simoncelli. Despite the unfortunate loss, the tribute makes clear the immense affection that people had for him. We will never forget Marco.”

source: motogp official

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Toseland: 'MotoGP must go on for Marco'

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ADDING his respects James Toseland believes that the MotoGP championship must go on in a 'massive tribute' to the life of Marco Simoncelli.

"It was a freak accident," Toseland told BBC Sport. "There's nothing much more we can do to make the sport safer.

"The ultimate price is that you lose your life. This is a dangerous job. "Marco was such a likeable lad, I think everybody envied his hairstyle, charisma and will to win. He was a lovely, quiet lad away from the track but once he pulled his helmet on, he was the most ferocious winner out there.

"He was a great champion and he was already looking like a superstar in MotoGP." said the former MotoGP rider and double World Superbike champion.

Toseland also spoke of his former Tech 3 team mate Colin Edwards who, along with Valentino Rossi, was unfortunately involved in the incident. Edwards was injured in the crash suffering a dislocated shoulder and ligaments along with suspected fractures to both wrists and his left heel.

"Colin was so unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Toseland. "It could have been any motorcycle rider on that day, but unfortunately it was Colin.

"I sent him a text message yesterday saying I was thinking about him. He must be feeling dreadful but there was nothing he could do. It happened so quickly and incidents like this happen so rarely, especially with all the safety gear we have. It will take a while, but I hope Colin can move on and try to put it to the back of his mind."

Toseland, who retired from racing due to injury, commented on the speculation that Gresini Honda would withdraw from the final round at Valencia. "I don't think the championship should stop. It needs to go on and it would be a massive tribute to Marco. It's what happens. Motorcycling is a great, great sport and there a lot of people who love it. Yes, it's a real shock but it will go on."

source: visordown

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Marco Simoncelli, Melandri also to give farewell to Sic

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From 9 am this morning is open to Coriano, the funeral of Marco Simoncelli , who tragically died during the terrible accident at the 2011 Grand Prix at Sepang , when it slipped from his Honda motorcycle and Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi have been avoided the fatal impact with the body of the Sic . Great emotion and pain of a life too soon broken by a terrible fate.

Does not stop the silent river of people who want to give farewell to the Super Sic mortuary set up in the municipal theater of Coriano . These include the pilot Superbike and former companion of the unfortunate 24 year old in 2010 in the Gresini team , Melandri . The Macio is passed to the funeral home set up for Simoncelli and was able to say, the sadness of the moment, these few words: "It was for me important to welcome Mark and his family " .

source: derapate.it

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Simoncelli's father: Marco was a warrior

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Marco Simoncelli's father Paolo has paid tribute to his son during an interview on Italian TV, in which Marco's mother and girlfriend also spoke of their pain and pride. 

"Marco was a very special person... Most of all he was honest, he was really pure," Paolo told Italian TV show Matrix. 

24-year-old Simoncelli died from injuries sustained on lap 2 of Sunday's Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang. 

The Italian, who had taken his best MotoGP finish of second just one week earlier in Australia, lost the front of his motorcycle and lowsided from fourth place - but his bike then regained traction and swerved across in front of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, who could do nothing to avoid the fallen rider. 

The accident left Simoncelli motionless in the track, with his helmet having been knocked off by the force of the impact. Paolo then rode to the scene of the accident on a scooter and helped carry the stretcher into the ambulance. 

A video has emerged showing that marshals dropped part of the stretcher as they rushed from the track, but Paolo played down the significance of the incident. 

"Marco was already dead," he said. "I was there and it would not have changed anything. When they came up [with the stretcher] I took Marco's hand, I tried to greet him, but he was already gone, there was nothing anyone could do." 

The only 'what if' Paolo feels is in regards to the accident itself, and what might have been if Marco had tried to bail off as soon as he lost control. "Marco was a warrior. He never gave up... that's why he didn't try to leave the bike." 

Paolo also wanted to say thanks for the support he and his family have received. 

"I want to thank the Malaysian authorities, the Italian ambassador and the circuit personnel that never left us alone for a moment. They've been exceptional," he said. 

"When we arrived back in Rome, everyone was there. From the authorities to hundreds of people who stopped working to applaud Marco. If I say I am happy it would be bullshit... but all this deep affection is a beautiful thing." 

Simoncelli's mother Rosella added: "We just helped him do what he loved. If you don't follow your heart life is full of regrets and Marco certainly didn't have any. He has left us with some great memories and we are proud of him." 

Girlfriend Kate was watching the race from the Gresini Honda pits at Sepang.

"You cannot forget. You can only try to live with the pain," she said. "I went to our house today and tried to speak to him, hoping something would happen like in the film "Ghost". 

"When I saw his helmet had come off in the accident I knew there was nothing to do but pray. 

"If someone got hurt at a race he would say 'that is racing, if you don't want anything to happen, you would stay at home'. So I think he would like me to end this interview by saying 'that is racing'." 

Simoncelli's funeral is scheduled for Thursday, October 27 at 3:00pm in his hometown of Coriano. 60,000 fans are expected to attend. 

source: crash

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Bradley Smith: R.I.P. Marco

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After the truly tragic events on Sunday in Malaysia once again I find myself asking the question “Is this really worth it?” 

Racing makes me the person I am. Life without racing would not make me the complete person I hope to be. When I'm not racing I'm unhappy and unfulfilled. There is no doubt racers are privileged from a very early age we are doing the one thing that give us such fulfilment and a buzz that can't be replaced by anything else. 

I've dedicated my life to go grand prix racing and I understand it's the riders that have the easiest part of it all. We are all prepared to take the ultimate risk to do something that gives us so much. Without it, there would be an enormous hole inside my heart. 

I didn't know Marco that well personally. From the outside he kept himself to himself. I would often see him running round the track on Thursday afternoon when I was cycling. He would give a wave and a smile. He was a gentle giant off the track but a passionate brilliant racer once he left pit lane. 

For me personally, the two weeks away in Australia and Malaysia have been very tough. No points and flying home with a cracked collarbone and bruised lung. The race at Phillip Island started so well and I really fancied at least a podium finish but a mistake meant it was not to be after running into the gravel. 

Monday afternoon I was invited to Kart with Jason Akermanis in Melbourne, 125cc 2stroke karts sure gave my neck and arm muscles a serious workout. He still has not lost his competitive streak and we were going back and forth posting the fastest lap times of the day. I am pleased to say I raised the trophy at the end of it. 

That evening I had dinner with Jason, Monster Europe, Monster Australia, Pol Espargaro and Valentine Debise. Was really great to spend time around Melbourne and check out the Crowne Casino… I am not a betting man so my money was safe inside my pocket. 

The weekend at Sepang in Malaysia ended before it even started. Right at the start of the first practice session on Friday morning which I am sure you have all seen Video footage off. 

On the opening lap I only made it to Turn 10. I saw yellow flags waving but I thought it was because of the crashes before me. I slowed down and the next thing I've seen the wet track and almost immediately I lost control of the bike. There was a lot of blame put on the marshals but this is not a time to point the finger. 

I hope everybody including Race Direction has learned something from the incident that will help in the future. The initial crash was bad enough but then I slid into Marc Marquez's bike in the gravel trap which gave me the bruised lung. I don't really remember much, so I had to watch a video replay to understand what happened. 

source: crash.net

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Valentino Rossi arrives in Fiumicino with the body of Simoncelli: "These things happen"

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The pilot of Ducati, Rossi landed at Fiumicino airport, on the same plane with that came the body of Marco Simoncelli , who tragically died during the incident of the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix , where the same doctor was involved. The nine-time world champion has not escaped the journalists' questions, saying he was very sorry for what happened and riband its intention not to stop running: "It was definitely nice, honestly I did not think of anything, I just Sorry. You do not have to be here for me, he is coming soon. Unfortunately, these things sometimes happen. Can happen, we know already that can happen does not change us so much " .

Rossi returned to Italy with his family and the coffin of the poor Simoncelli. In recent days, Valentino had dedicated to their deceased fraternal words and full of sadness. Someone, in recent days, the journalistic taken from trans to attack the news, had trumpeted to the four winds, a champion of the possible withdrawal of Ducati . But it is precisely the same Pesaro firmly to remove this imaginary case: "Do not stop, I did not put these items around, but someone else to sell more newspapers. With him we were together every day, we went to the gym and then on the engine. Father Paul is very bad we all embraced. Mark was a great and I will never forget " .

source: Derapate

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Hundreds turn out to bid Marco Simoncelli farewell

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The MotoGP rider’s body was laid out for the public to pay their respects today (Wednesday) in his hometown of Coriano. The 24 year-old’s funeral will be held tomorrow (Thursday, October 27th) at the Santa Maria Assunta church.

Large numbers of people turned out on Wednesday morning in Coriano, the hometown of Marco Simoncelli, to bid the MotoGP rider a final farewell before his funeral takes place on Thursday.

Fans, friends, members of the public and figures from the world of sport came to the Municipal Theatre in Coriano, close to Riccione in the Italian province of Rimini, to pay their respects to the 24 year-old rider who passed away on Sunday following a crash in the MotoGP race in Malaysia.

A long line of mourners formed early this morning at the chapel, which will remain open until 10pm this evening, and where Simoncelli’s body is resting prior to his funeral on Thursday. Behind the Italian rider’s coffin the Gilera bike, on which he won the 2008 250cc World Championship title, and the Honda RC212V, on which he competed in the MotoGP class, were presented.

Amongst those in attendance were recognised Italian sporting figures such as former basketball player Walter Magnifico and Marco Melandri, a close friend of Marco Simoncelli’s and his team-mate in the Gresini team during the young rider’s debut season in MotoGP in 2010.

The funeral, which will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at 3pm at the Santa Maria Assunta church in Coriano, is expected to be attended by close friends of Simoncelli’s and fellow riders including Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo and Sete Gibernau. To ensure that all those who attend the funeral can follow the ceremony two large screens will be installed outside the church, and a large screen will also be installed at the Misano circuit nearby.

source: motogp official

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Kevin Schwantz: 58 Forever. Rest in peace, Ciccio

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The first time I met Marco Simoncelli, it was with Valentino, and I think it was in '03 or '04. He was just getting started in Grand Prix and came to dinner with us after the Grand Prix in Barcelona. I was like, "Who is this kid? He's too big! He's never going to turn out to be anything." But Valentino's said, "No, he's really fast, really good." And of course Valentino was right.

Marco Simoncelli wasn't just a fast racer with a huge amount of talent and potential, he was also just a great kid. He just always had a smile on his face. He was happy to be racing. A lot of us—and I mean us, because it did get that way for me—it got to where racing was such a big job, it almost wasn't fun any more. You couldn't offset all the demands and the workload, for the hour of pleasure of trying to kick everybody's ass on Sunday. And Simoncelli, right to the very end, seemed to have the best grasp of anybody out there, on it.

There were three standouts in the sport, and now there are two. I'm probably going to get under some people's skin saying this, but it's Maverick Vinales, Marc Marquez, and it was Simoncelli. These are guys who were good figures for the sport. They always look to be having fun. There's always going to be the Pedrosas. There's always going to be the Stoners. But once Valentino is gone, all the character in the sport is gone.

Even as popular as Sic was, as many mistakes as he made this year, as many bikes as he crashed - he always had something good to say, and he always had a smile on his face. He always had time to stop and talk. "I'm learning. I'm making mistakes. I haven't been racing these bikes for ten years, I don't know what to do." And to me, he was kind of old school. A lot like myself. Not very finished when he first got on a bike, not very polished as a rider, but he was really coming to grips with what it took, and what was important. Not just the next corner, but the result at the end of the day.

I went and did a charity motocross ride that Valentino held a couple of years ago. I saw Marco there. You could tell Simoncelli hadn't been on a motocross bike very much at that point. Okay, so I'm not a Supercross rider, but I've ridden motocross bikes a lot, so I was talking to him a little bit about what he was doing, and how he was doing it. "Oh, yeah, thanks, that really helped me." And by the end of the weekend of motocross riding, it was all I could do to keep him in sight. He was one of those guys that was just like a sponge. He'd soak up absolutely everything, and he'd take in whatever helped him. Whatever helped him, he'd use, and whatever didn't, he'd throw away. He was always wanting to learn. Listening, and always showing an interest. you could see it in his face: 'This might be something I need to be listening to. This might be something that can help me.' And every time I was anywhere near his house, he was calling me to come over.

He and I probably texted even more than Spies and I do. I'd text him after a race, text him before a race. I texted him just before the Grand Prix in Australia. I said, "All you gotta do is get a good start and get with Stoner and stay with him for a couple of laps." I said, "A little bit of pressure and who knows what might happen." He texted me after the race. "Ah," he says, "Kevin, I didn't have the pace to go with Casey," he said, "but I'm very happy with the result. It was a hard fight to the finish." And I texted him back, and I said, "Yeah, that's great." He says, "You're coming to Valencia, right?" And I texted him back and said, "Yeah, of course." He said, "See you in Valencia."

We called each other the same nickname: Ciccio. I asked somebody what it means, and I think it means "Chubby" in Italian, or something like that, but he said it means "Buddy" more than anything.

He was just one of those guys who had such a great future in the sport. It's an unfortunate lifestyle that we choose, because sometimes it can be really, really brutal. It can be so unforgiving. That's what we saw yesterday. I don't know how, or what the series will do to honor him in Valencia, but I'm sure that everybody will come up with a plan that gives him suitable kudos, because he really was the future of MotoGP, for sure, for the next five or ten years.

Every time I'd go see him, he'd say, "Hey, let's go eat dinner." One time I called him, I think we were going to go bicycle riding, and he called me. "Hey, it's raining, Kevin. Let's not go bicycle riding. But I'll come pick you up at the hotel. I want to go show you something in my BMW." He had an M3. Of course, he and Graziano (Rossi) were super good pals, because they both just loved drifting their cars. They knew all these little bitty back lanes in Italy like the back of their hands. He lived in Riccione. All those little lanes around the back, between the track at Misano and the beach. Everything he did, he had an ear-to-ear grin on his face.

He'd say, "But see, Graziano taught me. He taught me well. You never make more than two laps," he says, "because if you do, then the police will be coming for sure." Whether it was a roundabout that we were doing donuts around, or whether it was a business center that was closed on the weekend, he goes, "You can't ever do more. Graziano says no more than two laps." Just stuff like that. He enjoyed life and it's just tragic that it was cut short. He had such a brilliant, bright future ahead of him.

I was just going back through some of the pictures on my phone. I sent him a picture ... I think it was a winter day here. I had a long-sleeved Simoncelli T-shirt on, and I texted him a picture. He texted me back within two minutes with a picture. He was in his BMW and the phone was behind the steering wheel, and he had his Kevin Schwantz shirt on.

He will be so dearly missed by everybody. His family are such nice people. His dad, his mom, his sister, his girlfriend, everybody. Anybody that I ever met with Marco, they were all as nice as they could be. I don't know when the funeral is going to be exactly, but there's not much doubt I'll be there. There won't be a dry eye in the house.

I didn't text him before the race in Malaysia. I sent his phone a text afterward, and just said, "58 Forever. Rest in peace, Ciccio."

source: superbike planet

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Rossi emphatically denies quit rumours

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Valentino Rossi says he will not be retiring from competition in the wake of the accident that claimed the life of Marco Simoncelli.

Valentino Rossi has rubbished suggestions that he will quit racing in the wake of Marco Simoncelli's tragic death during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

A close friend of Simoncelli's, Rossi was unavoidably involved in the incident that killed the Italian, sparking speculation that he would consider walking away from the sport.

However, following Davide Brivio's declaration that Rossi will not retire, the man himself, speaking briefly to reporters on his return to Italy, quashed rumours that he will not race again.

“Quit? I do not know who said it, but it wasn't me … Maybe it was to sell more newspapers.

“Marco was great. We shared so many memories, we used to meet almost every day, we'd train together and we'd race against each with any type of machine that had an engine.”

The final round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship season will take place at Valencia on November 6th.

source: crash

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Sepang Circuit issues Simoncelli statement

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Sepang releases statement regarding Marco Simoncelli's fatal accident. Amateur video footage appears to show marshals dropping the stretcher.

Sepang International Circuit chairman Dato' Mokhzani Mahathir has released a statement following Marco Simoncelli's death in Sunday's Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang.

The race was stopped on lap two after Simoncelli fell in the path of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards and was impacted at considerable speed.

As medical teams did their utmost to save the life of Simoncelli, a subsequent restart was delayed before the decision was taken to cancel it altogether. Even so, when the announcement to cancel the race was relayed to spectators, little information was provided at the time, prompting disappointment among some trackside fans.

However, Mahathir says it was important to officially inform Marco's family of his passing before explaining the full extent of the situation to the spectators.

“SIC would like to state that the decision to cancel the race was taken after considering the severity of the accident. The decision was agreed upon by SIC and Dorna Sports SL, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP. SIC made public announcements on the cancellation of the race and Marco's death as soon as we were authorised to do so, with priority being given to officially inform Marco's family members first. I hope that fans can understand the situation prevalent at the time.

“SIC would like to reiterate that all preparations and precautionary steps were taken to ensure we staged a safe race in accordance with FIM, AAM and Dorna safety requirements. However, the inherently dangerous nature of motorsports does not allow a race organiser or track owner to give a guarantee that nothing untoward will happen during a race."

As a fairly new venue on the MotoGP calendar, compared with some of the more historic circuits, Sepang has a good safety record. 

Mahathir also praised the actions of the medical staff and circuit personnel, although amateur video footage has emerged which appears to show marshals dropping the stretcher as they rushed Simoncelli to the ambulance.

“The Sepang International Circuit is acknowledged as having been designed to be a safe circuit and managed by a team of experienced personnel, on and off track, to handle race events professionally. We work to the highest safety standards and we will continue to ensure these standards are met at every race held at our circuit. 

“At the race on Sunday, circuit personnel acted speedily and professionally to attend to Marco as soon as the accident happened. Despite all that was done, the medical team could not change the outcome of the situation given the severity of his injuries. In the aftermath of this sad tragedy, we will work with FIM and Dorna to see if there is anything else we can do to improve rider safety in races.

“We at SIC are honoured to have had Marco gracing our track with his dazzling skills and panache all these years. To Marco, may you rest in peace. You will be missed. Addio Super Sic.”

Simoncelli won his only world title, the 2008 250cc World Championship, at Sepang.

source: crash

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Aoyama pays tribute to team-mate Simoncelli

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Hiroshi Aoyama has spoken out in tribute of his Gresini Honda team-mate Marco Simoncelli following his death during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Aoyama and Simoncelli, former rivals in the 250GP class, landed as MotoGP team-mates in 2011 after the Japanese rider switched to the Gresini squad.

Writing on his personal blog, a clearly devastated Aoyama says he is struggling to find the words to describe the situation.

“My team mate Marco crashed during the race. He was fighting hard for his life but unfortunately he passed away. I cannot think of any words to describe this tragic loss.

“He has been my rival since the 250's and since we both started in Moto GP class, I could feel the tension in between us and we were always aware of each other as rookies. And now, we have been competing in the same championship as a team mate. He is such an openhearted person, no matter where he is. I know everyone had a high expectation of him since he has been performing so well. 

“He is loved by so many people and I know why. Last week he came second and was on the podium. And this week again he was so powerful on his bike….. but why…..? How…..? That is all I can think right now.

"I would like to give my condolences to Marco's family, fans, teams and staff. Rest in peace Marco.”

With Gresini Honda considering missing the final round of the season at Valencia, Aoyama, who is already confirmed as joining Honda in the World Superbike Championship next year, may have made his last appearance at MotoGP level.

source: crash

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An MTV special on Simoncelli

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MTV will remember Marco Simoncelli by dedicating their MTV NEWS segment to "Super Sic". The feature on the fallen rider will be called "Quelli che sgasano," and it will also feature young boys and girls that are passionate about their motorcycles and scooters.

They are all young people between 14 and 21 years of age that see their means of transportation as an integral part of their being.  The special will air every night this week at 9pm.

source: GP One

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