Marco Simoncelli: Honda, Monster Tributes

MotoGP Tributes for Marco Simoncelli

Tragedy struck the MotoGP world Sunday when San Carlo Honda Gresini’s Marco Simoncelli was killed during a second-lap crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Immediatly following the dire news from Sepang, the tributes began. From his fellow MotoGP riders to organizations associated with various types of motorcycle racing, the industry is ablaze with Marco Simoncelli tributes, a true testament to the 24-year-old Italian’s influence on MotoGP.

The latest arrive from Honda and Monster Energy.

American Honda Marco Simoncelli Tribute:

American Honda sends its condolences to the family and friends of San Carlo Honda Gresini MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli who lost his life in a racing accident at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang yesterday.

Ray Blank (Senior Vice President, American Honda Powersports Division) says: "Marco was one of MotoGP’s rising stars and he was very popular with fans in the U.S. He was an incredibly talented and passionate rider who was thrilling to watch, and his tragic passing is being felt across the world. Our hearts go out to his family and to the Gresini team."

The charismatic 24-year-old earned his first two MotoGP podiums and his first two MotoGP pole positions this season. Only a week ago, he finished a career-best second place at the Australian Grand Prix, taking the runner-up spot to Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner.

Monster Energy Marco Simoncelli Tribute:

Monster Energy mourns the loss of rising MotoGP pilot, and San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli, after the young Italian racer succumbed to injuries suffered during the second lap of Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia.

With his trademark wild hair, lust for life and passion for racing, Simoncelli embodied everything a MotoGP racer is known to be. The 24-year-old was calculating, yet aggressive on the track, while charismatic off of it. In 2008, he won the 250cc World Championship before graduating to the MotoGP grid full time last season. In his career prior to the jump, Simoncelli earned two wins in 125cc competition, in addition to 12 wins in the 250cc class, to go along with his 2008 title.

Marco Simoncelli’s career was cut short just as he was beginning to show his championship potential in MotoGP. Through 16 rounds this season, Simoncelli had earned two pole positions and two podium results, including a career-best runner-up finish just a week prior at the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island.

Bruce Stjernstrom (Monster Energy Vice President of Sports Marketing) says: "This is a tremendous loss for the racing world. Marco was a rising star who was coming on strong in MotoGP. We will all miss the talented and charismatic rider greatly."

Monster Energy offers its sincerest sympathy and condolences to the entire Simoncelli family during this difficult time.

For additional tributes, click here. For a bio on Simoncelli, click here.

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