As MotoGP returns to Malaysia for the first time since the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli, the Italian's memory is very much to the fore of the sport. Here, a fan of the rider, shows her devotion with a tattoo in tribute to her hero who died following a fatal crash on October 23 2011.
Memories of Marco —
As MotoGP returns to Malaysia for the first time since the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli, the Italian's memory is very much to the fore of the sport. Here, a fan of the rider, shows her devotion with a tattoo in tribute to her hero who died following a fatal crash on October 23 2011.
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Simoncelli was killed on the second lap of the race after losing control of his bike and being hit by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi at turn 11 at Sepang. The 24-year-old Italian suffered trauma to the neck, head and chest after his helmet flew off in the collision.
Fatal finish —
Simoncelli was killed on the second lap of the race after losing control of his bike and being hit by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi at turn 11 at Sepang. The 24-year-old Italian suffered trauma to the neck, head and chest after his helmet flew off in the collision.
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The whole of the MotoGP world stopped in silence at the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the Italian during the ''Tribute for Marco Simoncelli' ahead of the race in Malaysia. The number '58' which was Simoncelli's number and his nickname 'Sic' are both included on the memorial.
Never forgotten —
The whole of the MotoGP world stopped in silence at the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the Italian during the ''Tribute for Marco Simoncelli' ahead of the race in Malaysia. The number '58' which was Simoncelli's number and his nickname 'Sic' are both included on the memorial.
Marc Marquez of Spain and Team Catalunya Caixa Repsol touches the plaque during the ceremony. The Spaniard, who is hoping to claim the Moto2 title this weekend, looked emotional throughout the ceremony.
Paying tribute —
Marc Marquez of Spain and Team Catalunya Caixa Repsol touches the plaque during the ceremony. The Spaniard, who is hoping to claim the Moto2 title this weekend, looked emotional throughout the ceremony.
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MotoGP teams and officials came together at Sepang to remember the former rider during the 'Tribute for Marco Simoncelli' ceremony. According to 2011 world champion Casey Stoner, the incident is "a lot more fresh on everyone's mind being the anniversary."
Marching on together —
MotoGP teams and officials came together at Sepang to remember the former rider during the 'Tribute for Marco Simoncelli' ceremony. According to 2011 world champion Casey Stoner, the incident is "a lot more fresh on everyone's mind being the anniversary."
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Fausto Gresini, team manager of San Carlo Honda Gresini, looks on struggling to hold back the tears. Simoncelli was the second rider Gresini has lost following the death of Japanese rider Daijiro Kato in a gruesome crash at Suzuka in 2003.
Holding back the tears —
Fausto Gresini, team manager of San Carlo Honda Gresini, looks on struggling to hold back the tears. Simoncelli was the second rider Gresini has lost following the death of Japanese rider Daijiro Kato in a gruesome crash at Suzuka in 2003.
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