Marco Simoncelli died tragically today from injuries sustained from a crash at the Malaysian MotoGP.
He lost control of his bike during the second lap of the race at Sepang, veered into the path of other riders and was struck by Colin Edwards and the Valentino Rossi as he slid across the track. His helmet was lost during the accident.
Marco Simoncelli was rushed to the medical centre but died soon after. The race was cancelled when the severity of his injuries became apparent.
Edwards also fell during the collision and dislocated his shoulder. Rossi was able to return to the pits. Tragically for Rossi, Simoncelli was a close friend. Both riders are said to be 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.”
This kind of accident is a rarity at the MotoGP, the last fatality was at the Japan’s Daijiro Katoh who from injuries sustained at the 2003 Japanese GP.
