One of the most promising riders of MotoGP, and a vibrant, lively personality, Marco Simoncelli passed away in a freak accident this weekend at the Malaysian Gran Prix. The Afro haired MotoGP rider who lowsided in the second lap slid and came straight in the way of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. Unfortunately, Marco’s helmet came off during the incident and he succumbed to serious injuries on his head, neck and chest. Our heart is with Marco’s family. We also feel for Colin Edward and Valentino Rossi, who must be shattered being inadvertently involved in a fatal accident, having lost a fellow rider in the process.
Marco was an extremely promising young rider from Italy, and had begun his highest level MotoGP stint only a year ago. Before being selected as a rider for the Gresini Honda team, Marco has created a name for hiself by winning the European championship, several World Championship races, and taking the 250cc World Championship for Gilera in 2008.
Marco’s death marks an end to the casualty-free period of MotGP since Daijiro Kato, again of Gresini team lost his life during the Japanese Grand Prix. Here’s a detailed chart of Marco’s achievements, followed by the video of the dreadful accident.
May Marco’s soul rest in peace.
Season Class Moto Races Wins Podiums Poles FLaps Pts Position
2002 125cc Aprilia 6 0 0 0 0 3 33rd
2003 125cc Aprilia 15 0 0 0 0 31 21st
2004 125cc Aprilia 13 1 1 2 0 79 11th
2005 125cc Aprilia 16 1 6 1 1 177 5th
2006 250cc Gilera 16 0 0 0 0 92 10th
2007 250cc Gilera 17 0 0 0 0 97 10th
2008 250cc Gilera 16 6 12 7 4 281 1st
2009 250cc Gilera 15 6 10 3 4 231 3rd
2010 MotoGP Honda 18 0 0 0 0 125 8th
2011 MotoGP Honda 16 0 2 2 0 139 6th*
Total 148 14 31 15 9 1255