Italian MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli died Sunday after crashing during a race in Malaysia. Simoncelli was 24 years old.
Marco Simoncelli was hit by two other riders when he crashed during the Malaysian MotoGP race. The talented young rider was taken to a medical centre where he died of chest, head and neck injuries.
The Malaysian track, where Simoncelli died, was the same racetrack on which he won 250cc heats during the 2008 world title races.
Simoncelli lost control four minutes into the race on Sunday, swerving into the path two other riders. The Italian’s helmet came off in the impact.
"Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard", said Italian Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso. "We raced together since we were kids, I saw him always pushing to the maximum, he crashed many times, but without major injuries, he seemed invincible. What happened today seems impossible.”.
Nicknamed 'Super Sic', Simoncelli was admired by competitors for his natural talent. Born 20th of January, 1987 in Cattolica, Super Sic began racing minibikes when he was only seven years old.
The loss was felt all the way up to the Italian Olympic Committee who planned a moment of silence for the fallen athlete.
"Life is sacred; you shouldn't die at age 24 just for a race”, said Italian Olympic Committee president Gianni Petrucci.
