MotoGP Simoncelli Tributes
The Marco Simoncelli tributes flowed endlessly throughout the industry Sunday, continuing as strongly today.
The 24-year-old Italian, who adorned the number 58 on his San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V, persished Sunday at Sepang following severe trauma sustained on a second-lap crash. During the wreck, Simoncelli was struck by fellow riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. The details of the MotoGP death are still under investigation.
As many throughout the motorcycle racing world mourn, expressions were released on various social media and press releases.
Following are some of those expressions discussing the tragic loss of MotoGP star (for a Marco Simoncelli bio, click here).
Valentino Rossi, the Ducati Team pilot who didn’t speak in initial interviews following the tragedy, tweets: "Sic for me was like a youngest brother. So strong on track and so sweet in the normal life. I will miss him a lot."
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda MotoGP) says: "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 MotoGP) says: "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, he was seemed invincible. What happened today seems impossible."
Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda MotoGP) says, "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."
Jorge Lorenzo, the Factory Yamaha rider who wasn’t at the Malaysian GP following a surgery on his finger, posts: "I don’t know what to say on a day like today … Only that you will be missed – rest in peace Marco."
Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing) says: "Super Sic rest easy…"
Toni Elias (LCR Honda) says: "There is nothing I can say…Marco was a unique person – but above all, he was a good guy."
Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team MotoGP) says: "Sometimes life just don’t make sense… RIP #58 you were a star on & off track we all going to miss you."
Cal Crutchlow (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) says: "RIP Marco Simoncelli! A great rider and all round nice guy. My thoughts are with all his family & friends. I will never forget today… #58"
John Hopkins (Rizla Suzuki Wildcard) says: "God Speed #58 Simoncelli… Your fighting spirit will live on forever!"
Damian Cudlin (MotoGP Wildcard) says: "Terrible news. Marco’s gone. Sad day for motor racing and all the llives he touched along the way. Won’t forget you, mate."
Kenny Roberts says: "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!"
Hector Barber (Mapfre Ducati MotoGP) says: "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 organizers. 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."
Shuhei Nakamoto (HRC Executive Vice President) says "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."
Jorge Aspar MartÃnez (Mapfre Aspar MotoGP team owner) says: "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."
Kenny Noyes (FTR Moto2 rider) says: "It is a very sad day for us all. Marco was one of the greats, both on and off the track and he will be missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
"Marco’s crash really brought it home to me. I also had a real scary moment when Axel Pons crashed in front of me and I ran over him. We were real lucky, though, I saved the crash and Axel was OK. I was so relieved to hear that."
Taka Horio (General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department) says: "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."
Jeff Belskus (Indianapolis Motor Speedway President & CEO) says: "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 both were very special. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, team and fans."
Ducati MotoGP Team says: "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."
Monster Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP releases: "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."
Rizla Suzuki releases: "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."
LCR Honda releases: "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."
Karel Abraham and his Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati Team says: "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."
World Superbike reports: "Like the rest of the motorbike racing community, World Superbike is mourning the death of Marco Simoncelli, who lost his life this morning in a tragic incident at Sepang during the opening laps of the MotoGP race.
"We wish to express our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the 24 year-old Italian, as well as Team Gresini, in this particularly sad moment."
AMA Pro Racing reports: "AMA Pro Racing sends their deepest sympathies to the family of Marco Simoncelli and the Gresini Racing team on the loss of a great champion and rider who loved life and the sport of motorcycle racing.
"His passion and energy had a marked effect on the sport and he will be missed by the entire road racing community in the United States and around the world."