In Sunday’s Malaysian MotoGP, less than one week after the death of Dan Wheldon in the Las Vegas IndyCar race, Italy’s Marco Simoncelli lost his life in another chilling accident. Tributes continue to pour in for the 24-year-old from Cattolica.
Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda and 2011 World Champion
I'm so shocked and saddened by the loss of Marco. When things like this happen it reminds you how precious life is, it makes me feel sick inside. All I can say is how sorry I am for Marco's whole family - I can't imagine what they are all going through and our thoughts and wishes are with them at this time. I hope they all stay close and pull through this tragedy together.
Shuhei Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation
I just don't know what to say, words escape me. Marco was a very nice guy and a very talented rider. Sometimes I was a little harsh with him, for example after his first MotoGP podium in Brno when I told him, ‘Lucky podium!’ and he was so angry...but I wanted to motivate him, as I knew he was able to do even more. I was thinking that when he won his first race we would have been able to celebrate together...now I just want to say thank you to Marco for what you gave me and pass my sincere condolences to his family at this very sad time.
Valentino Rossi, Ducati
Sic for me was like a youngest brother. So strong on track and so sweet in normal life. I will miss him a lot.
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda
In a tragedy like this there is not much to say. I just want to give my condolences to his family and all the people who love him. I've been with his father and all we could do was to hug, nothing else matters. It was a fatal accident and everybody in the paddock remains in shock. Many times we ourselves forget how dangerous this sport can be and when you lose people on the way nothing has any meaning. It's clear that we all do what we like, what we love, but on days like today nothing matters.
Andrea Dovizioso, Repsol Honda
In these circumstances, words don’t seem to be appropriate. I think of Marco’s family and all the people dear to him, in particular his father and mother. I also have a child and what happened today is the hardest situation you can imagine. I watched the images and I’m shocked: in a race you fight and push hard and disaster is often around the corner. Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard. We raced together since we were kids, I saw him always pushing to the maximum; he crashed many times, but without major injuries, and he was seemingly invincible. What happened today seems impossible.
Kenny Roberts, former World Champion
The entire Roberts Family is deeply sadden by the news about Marco. We wish to send our condolences to his family, friends, fans and MotoGP. We will never forget him!
Jorge Lorenzo, Fiat Yamaha
I don’t know what to say on a day like today…only that you will be missed - rest in peace Marco.
Nicky Hayden, Ducati
Sometimes life just don't make sense. RIP #58, you were a star on and off-track and we are all going to miss you.
Cal Crutchlow, Tech 3 Yamaha
RIP Marco Simoncelli! A great rider and all-round nice guy. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. I will never forget today…#58.
Ben Spies, Fiat Yamaha
Super Sic rest easy...
Héctor Barberá, Aspar Team
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.
Toni Elías, Honda LCR
There is nothing I can say…Marco was a unique person – but above all, he was a good guy.
John Hopkins, Suzuki
God Speed #58 Simoncelli...your fighting spirit will live on forever!
Damian Cudlin, Pramac
Terrible news. Marco’s gone. Sad day for motor racing and all the lives he touched along the way. Won’t forget you, mate.
Jorge Martínez, Aspar Team owner
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.
Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari
I am very sad to hear of the death of Marco Simoncelli. I was very impressed by his speed, talent and the determination he showed this year. His qualities reminded me of Gilles Villeneuve and now fate has chosen to link them in this tragic fashion. On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I offer all our condolences to Marco’s family for their loss.
Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari Formula 1 Team Principal
It’s hard to express in words the pain felt at the loss of such a cheery character like Marco Simoncelli. Events such as these and the equally tragic loss of Dan Wheldon remind us how all those who take part in motorsport are always exposed to these risks. One must never drop one’s guard, aware that there is nothing one can do against fate. Now, the thoughts of all of us men and women at Ferrari and those at the Mugello circuit go out to Marco’s family and friends and his team. I am really close to Fausto Gresini, a dear friend who comes from my home town, Imola, who is going through a particularly fraught time right now.
Jeff Belskus, CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Marco Simoncelli. He was one of the most charismatic figures in the World Championship and had a fantastic future ahead of him in MotoGP. Marco was one of the most popular riders at the MotoGP event at Indianapolis, as his talent on the motorcycle and his ability to connect with fans were both very special. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, team and fans.
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