 |
| Marco Simoncelli |
Sepang, Malaysia. Italy’s Marco Simoncelli #58 died on Sunday of injuries sustained in a crash that resulted in the cancelation of the Malaysian MotoGP, in the latest tragedy to hit motor sports.
The crash occurred just minutes after the race began when the 24-year-old Honda rider’s bike veered across the track and into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.
Simoncelli had his helmet knocked off in the ensuing collision, which occurred on turn 11.
Motor sports have seen a nightmare stretch recently and Simoncelli’s death looked certain to throw open more questions over safety.
The crash occurred just minutes after the race began when the 24-year-old Honda rider’s bike veered across the track and into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.
Simoncelli had his helmet knocked off in the ensuing collision, which occurred on turn 11.
Motor sports have seen a nightmare stretch recently and Simoncelli’s death looked certain to throw open more questions over safety.
Simoncelli, known for his shaggy afro haircut and fun-loving personality, began in the 125cc class in 2002 before moving up to the 250cc class in 2006. He won the 250cc world title in 2008.
All Italian sports events on Sunday will observe a minute's silence in memory of Simoncelli, the Italian Olympic Committee said in a statement.
Simoncelli was a big fan of soccer club AC Milan, who released a statement offering their condolences.
Last weekend, 2010 MotoGP champ Jorge Lorenzo crashed during warm-ups in Australia, severing a finger, while two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died in a 15-car crash in Las Vegas in Indy Car.
The race at Malaysia’s Sepang track was immediately red-flagged following the crash and organizers later announced it had been canceled.
Edwards also fell but escaped serious injury, while Rossi was able to return to the pits.
Although there is a final race in Spain still to come, Australia’s Casey Stoner has already secured the 2011 championship with his win last weekend in the Australian Grand Prix.
Agence France-Presse
The race at Malaysia’s Sepang track was immediately red-flagged following the crash and organizers later announced it had been canceled.
Edwards also fell but escaped serious injury, while Rossi was able to return to the pits.
Although there is a final race in Spain still to come, Australia’s Casey Stoner has already secured the 2011 championship with his win last weekend in the Australian Grand Prix.
Agence France-Presse
0 comments:
Post a Comment