Motorsport world pays tribute to Marco Simoncelli

Tributes to Marco Simoncelli, who was killed in a crash during yesterday’s Sepang MotoGP race, have poured in from the global motorsport community.

The former 250GP world champion succumbed to serious head, neck and chest injuries after a three-rider incident on the second lap.

Simoncelli was struck by Colin Edwards and close friend Valentino Rossi after the San Carlo Gresini Honda rider lost control of his machine at Turn 11.

Simoncelli’s death prompted a huge outpouring of emotion in the paddock as the MotoGP world struggled to come to terms with the loss of one its most charismatic and effervescent members.

All football matches in the Italian Serie A schedule yesterday observed a minute’s silence in honour of the 24-year-old, who was tipped by many as a potential future MotoGP world champion.

Here are some of the tributes for SuperSic.

Cal Crutchlow
“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.”

Bradley Smith
“Speechless to the news of Marco #58. Such a sad moment….. R.I.P.”

Carl Fogarty
“Devastated to hear that Marco Simoncelli has died. The guy was a breath of fresh air in MotoGP. Can’t believe it.”

Nicky Hayden
“Sometimes life just don’t make sense… RIP #58, you were a star on and off track. We are all going to miss you.”

Tommy Hill
“So, so sad! Absolutely terrible and heartbreaking when this happens in our sport! All my regards to Marco Simoncelli’s family and close friends.”

Leon Camier
“How gutting is the news about Marco… Makes me feel sick thinking about it!! Makes u reevaluate life!!!

Jonathan Rea
“Rest in peace Marco Simoncelli! A true inspiration, amazing rider and gentleman! Your legacy will never be forgotten!”

Eugene Laverty
“Devastated to hear of the death of Marco Simoncelli, one of the best of our generation. Thoughts go out to his family. RIP Marco.”

Shane Byrne
“RIP #58, Marco Simoncelli, legend…”

Leon Haslam
“What terrible news. R.I.P. MARCO my thoughts to all his family and friends…
 
Chaz Davies
“RIP Marco. Our sport has lost a great rider and all round great guy. My thoughts are with his family. I was fortunate enough to be team-mate to Marco in 2002. He was a genuinely fun guy and taught me my first unrepeatable Italian!”

Lewis Hamilton
“RIP #MarcoSimoncelli. My thoughts are with his family, friends and team at this extremely sad time. Another tragic loss at such an early age.”

Mark Webber
“RIP Marco. A special talent that will be missed… Thinking of your loved ones, and all the MotoGP paddock.”

Jenson Button
“RIP Marco… Such an exciting talent lost. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone involved in MotoGP. Sometimes motorsport can be so cruel…”

Scott Redding
“That was a sad Sunday R.I.P champ #58 you are still the guy I like your style on track. I will take your fighting on track with me.”