Celebrated Italian rider Marco Simoncelli died on Sunday after a horror crash that saw the Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang cancelled, in the latest tragedy to hit motor sports.
The smash occurred just minutes after the race began, when the mop-haired 24-year-old Honda rider's bike veered across the track and directly into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Simoncelli's compatriot Valentino Rossi.
Simoncelli, who ironically enjoyed his finest hour at Sepang when he finished third to clinch the 2008 season's 250cc title, had his helmet knocked off in the sickening collision, which happened on turn 11.
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“Despite their (doctors') efforts, Marco sadly succumbed to his injuries at 4:56 p.m. local time (0856 GMT),” MotoGP said in a sombre statement.
“Everybody involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Marco's family, friends and team at this tragic loss.”
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Motor sports have seen a nightmare stretch recently and Simoncelli's death looked certain to throw up more awkward questions over safety.
Last weekend, 2010 MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo crashed during warm-ups in Australia, severing a finger that was later surgically reattached, while two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died in a 15-car crash in Las Vegas in Indy Car.
The race at the Sepang circuit was immediately red-flagged and organisers later announced it had been cancelled.
Edwards also fell and suffered a separated shoulder, a race doctor said, while Rossi was able to return to the pits.
Sepang is a notoriously tricky circuit due to Malaysia's heat, humidity and frequent rain, but conditions on Sunday, although hot, were fine.
Spain's Dani Pedrosa had seized pole position a day before despite taking a tumble, as did Rossi.
Before the race, Sepang officials had promised special attention on safety following the previous weekend. “It is a sad back-to-back weekend for motor sports,” Sepang Circuit chairman Mokhzani Mahathir told reporters after Simoncelli's death was announced.
Investigation promised
Race director Paul Butler promised a thorough investigation. There was no immediate reaction from the stunned other riders.
After the crash, restless fans upset with the lengthy delay following it showered the track with water bottles and other debris.
The last fatal crash in the world motorcycling championship was last year when Japan's Shoya Tomizawa was killed.
Although there is a final race in Spain still to come, Australia's Casey Stoner has already secured the 2011 championship.
Stoner won at Phillip Island by just two seconds over Simoncelli, whose second-place finish was the Italian's best yet in MotoGP.
“You can never guarantee a 100 per cent safe race,” Mokhzani said.
“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. He will be missed dearly.”