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