Simoncelli Killed In Horror MotoGP Crash

SEPANG -- Italian MotoGP rider, Marco Simoncelli of San Carlo Honda Gresini, died after a horrific crash at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit on Sunday.The organisers confirmed that the 24-year-old was pronounced dead at 4.56pm at the SIC medical centre.The race was earlier cancelled following the crash which entered the second lap."The cause of his death was due to trauma to the head, neck and chest. When our medical staff arrived, he was unconcious. The medical staff had given him the CPR in the ambulance."Immediately at the medical centre, he was incubated. Unfortunately, we couldn't help him. At 1656, he was dead," MotoGP Medical director Dr Michele Macchiagodena told a press conference.

SIC chairman Mokhzani Mahathir was also saddened by the tragic incident and expressed his condolences to Simoncelli's family and team."You can never guarantee a 100 percent safe race in any motorsport racing.

"You expose yourself to danger when you race. As professionals, they know MotoGP is dangerous. Believe it or not, that is what they live for. Our condolences to Marco (Simoncelli). He will be missed dearly," said Mokhzani to Malaysian reporters later in a separate press conference.The International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) in a statement noted that due to the incident, Simoncelli was transported by ambulance to the circuit's medical centre where the medical staff worked to resuscitate him."Despite their efforts, Marco sadly succumbed to his injuries at 4.56pm, local time.

"Everybody involved in MotoGP extends their deepest condolences to Marco's family, friends and team at this tragic loss," said FIM in the statement.Among the MotoGP fraternity and fans, Simoncelli, is well known for his shaggy, afro hairstyle.He started his career in motorcycle racing in 2002 in the 125cc class before moving up to the 250cc class in 2006.He won the 250cc World Championship title in 2008.

In 2010, he started his career in the MotoGP class and completed his season in eighth position and this year, he was in sixth position with 139 points.Simoncelli's death is the first in the premier class since another Honda rider, Daijiro Kato, was killed at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix.Another Japanese rider, Shoya Tomizawa, died in a similar crash in Moto2 last year.

Source : Bernama