Tributes pour in to the late Marco Siomoncelli:

Sunday Oct 23 2011

IN MEMORY OF MARCO SIMONCELLI

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.

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Bridgestone:

Taka Horio - General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department

"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."

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HRC

Marco Simoncelli passes away at Malaysian GP

Today we are very sad to announce that HRC rider Marco Simoncelli has lost his life in a racing accident at the Sepang circuit. The 24 year old Italian was involved in an accident on lap two of the Malaysian GP. The race was instantly red flagged, and later cancelled. Medical staff were on the scene immediately and he was taken to the circuit medical centre. Unfortunately Marco's injuries were too severe and at 16h56 local time he was declared dead.

Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time. 

The test scheduled for tomorrow with Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner on the 2012 prototypes at the Sepang Circuit has been cancelled.

Shuhei Nakamoto - HRC Executive Vice President

"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 and this very sad time".

Dani Pedrosa

"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

"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

"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".

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Yamaha Factory Racing Team Press Release 

With Respects to Marco Simoncelli

Yamaha wish to convey the deepest heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Marco Simoncelli following the tragic accident today at the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Marco was a worthy competitor and rising star of MotoGP who will be deeply missed by all.

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Rizla Suzuki

With respects to Marco Simoncelli

Today's Malaysian Grand Prix was cancelled after Marco Simoncelli succumbed to fatal injuries he received during the second lap of today's race.

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.

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