Statements on the passing of Marco Simoncelli

Statement from MotoGP

Marco Simoncelli succumbs to injuries at Sepang

On Sunday 23rd October, during the MotoGP race at the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 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.

Everyone involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Marco’s family, friends and team at this tragic loss.

Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so at the following link:
www.motogp.com/en/contact/tributetosimoncelli

Statement from Taka Horio – General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department

“Today we are left devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marco’s family at this terrible, terrible time, and with his team. Words can do no justice to the emotion we are all feeling. The MotoGP family has lost one of its bright stars, a genuine character whose larger-than-life persona, charisma and unstoppable spirit were infectious, and we’ve all lost a great friend. We worked closely with Marco for his first two years in MotoGP and it was clear that he was a true racer, something he proved again and again this season. Determined to the end, and a great showman. His ascent through the field in just two seasons has been fantastic to watch, testament to his raw talent, ability and dedication to the sport he so loved. We remember fondly the tenacity and spirit with which he raced, and he will be sorely, sorely missed.”

With respects to Marco Simoncelli from Rizla Suzuki

Today’s Malaysian Grand Prix was cancelled after Marco Simoncelli succumbed to fatal injuries he received during the second lap of today’s race.

All at Rizla Suzuki are deeply affected by today’s tragic events and send their deepest condolences to Marco’s family and friends during this time of great loss.

R.I.P Marco Simoncelli, 20 January 1987 – 23 October 2011 – A true competitor.

Statement from Pramac Racing Team Ducati

Ciao Marco

You will always be in our hearts

Ducati: In Memory of Marco Simoncelli

Ducati, its team and its riders are deeply affected by the tragedy that struck the MotoGP world today, and they gather around the family, friends and team of Marco Simoncelli, who lost his life in a terrible accident during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

We will always remember Marco for his smile, his enthusiasm, his big heart and for the incredible emotions he allowed us to experience in recent years. He was one of us.

Statement from Yamaha Racing: With Respects to Marco Simoncelli

Yamaha wish to convey the deepest heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Marco Simoncelli following the tragic accident today at the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Marco was a worthy competitor and rising star of MotoGP who will be deeply missed by all.

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and Tech 3 Racing Moto2 team extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Marco Simoncelli, who succumbed to injuries he received in this afternoon's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards was involved in the second lap incident and he suffered a dislocated left shoulder. The American has left the Sepang International Circuit to begin his recovery at home in America and his thoughts and prayers are with Simoncelli and the Gresini Honda family.

RIP Super Sic - A much-loved star on and off the track

Motogp And Mapfre Aspar Team In Mourning For Marco Simoncelli

Italian rider Marco Simoncelli loses his life at Malaysian Grand Prix

The MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix, held at the Sepang circuit today, lasted just two laps. On the second of these laps, Marco Simoncelli lost the front end of his bike and slid onto the inside of a turn, into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. The resulting impact rendered the Italian immobile in the middle of the track, and Race Direction showed the red flag to stop the race –which was eventually cancelled. The Sepang circuit doctors attempted to reanimate Simoncelli for 45 minutes, but injuries to his chest, neck and head ultimately proved fatal. At 4:56pm local time, Marco Simoncelli was pronounced dead by the medical team. MotoGP rights holders Dorna confirmed the news in an official announcement ten minutes later.

The entire MAPFRE Aspar, led by Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’, express their deepest condolences to the family and team of Marco Simoncelli.

Héctor Barberá: “I am in shock. We are bike riders and we are aware that there are risks involved with what we do, but we also know that every day our safety is looked after more and more by the organisers. These past few years have seen a huge amount of work done to try and make our job even safer. Despite this, there are moments in which misfortune can lead to tragedy –and we saw this happen today with Marco Simoncelli. Today is another tough day for motorcycle racing. We have lost a great companion, and I will remember Marco as a great rival with whom had some fantastic battles in the past.”

Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’: “What has happened today is immensely sad. It should be said that every Friday before a Grand Prix, the Safety Commission convenes at 5pm with all the MotoGP riders to evaluate safety issues at all Grand Prix circuits. Marco lost the front end and attempted to save the crash, but unfortunately the inertia of the bike took him onto the inside of the corner just when Edwards and Valentino were passing. There was nothing that they could do to avoid him. Today is a tremendously sad day for the entire paddock and for those who love motorcycle racing.”

LCR Honda: Ciao Marco!

Toni Elias, Lucio Cecchinello and the whole LCR Honda MotoGP Team thoughts go to Marco Simoncelli’s family, friends and the whole Gresini Racing Team in this tragic moment.

Ciao Marco Simoncelli! from Cardion AB

The Cardion AB Motoracing team extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Marco Simoncelli, who succumbed to injuries he received in the race at the Sepang International Circuit.

Statements from Honda Racing and riders can be read following this link.

Lastly, a statement from Marco's own Team San Carlo Honda Gresini Racing, in Italian

Ciao Super Sic

Marco avrebbe detto...."diobo' ragazzi quanti siete!"....

To send your messages of condolence in his memory, please send an email to ciao@58marcosimoncelli.it

Many thanks to all who send them

On behalf of Motosport.com

Marco Simoncelli was a fantastic rider to follow as a correspondent. His natural skill was inspiring to watch and his passion made for an interesting show. It was inevitable to Motorsport.com that Marco would have gone on to win, and win often. The lanky Italian with wild hair was already a phenomenon for only his second year in the premier MotoGP class. To lose such a character so young in his career is truly devastating. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Marco's family and friends.

Ciao Marco!

Marco "Super Sic" Simoncelli
20 January 1987 – 23 October 2011