Remembering Marco Simoncelli: The wonder kid who struck a nation
- Silvia Cojocaru
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Written by Silvia Cojocaru, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
On 23rd October 2011, the world of motorcycle racing lost one of its most promising young stars. At just 24, Marco Simoncelli lost his life on track, reminding the world of the dangers of motorcycle racing.
Rising star
Born on 20th January 1987 in Cattolica, Simoncelli grew up in Coriano, Italy. His parents owned an ice-cream shop, but his father, Paolo Simoncelli, also had a passion for motorbikes, which fascinated Simoncelli.
“Super SIC” received his first pocket bike for Christmas when he was just four years old, and at the age of nine, he was already competing in regional races.
In junior categories, the sight of Simoncelli speeding around race courses was impossible to miss. In 2002, he made the move to the 125cc World Championship on an Aprilia bike, claiming seven podiums in the category, including two consecutive wins in Jerez.
Making the move to the 250cc World Championship in 2006, “Super SIC” celebrated his first win in this category in Italy. Just two seasons later, he conquered the title in this category, preparing to step up to the premier class, with his dream seeming closer than ever before.
Unforgettable on track
At the start of the season, the young Italian lined up on a star-studded grid. With the likes of Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and many more, the public was still excited to see how the rookie would perform.
In terms of the show, Simoncelli did not disappoint. Fearless on track and incredibly charismatic off of it, he was at the centre of many discussions in the media.
Although he wasn't everyone's favourite, he knew how to make his mark: all MotoGP fans had an opinion on him and on his racing style. Many called him too aggressive, with Simoncelli himself recognising that he should learn to be more cautious in the future.
But regardless of any opinions, the Italian's debut season was nothing short of impressive in terms of achievements — already claiming two pole positions and two premier class podiums.
On 23rd October 2011, at Sepang, Simoncelli was involved in an accident that shocked the motorsport world. Just at the start of the first lap, Simoncelli lost control of his bike and fell in the middle of the track. He lost his helmet and was hit by both Colin Edwards' bike and Rossi's.
The paramedics tried their best to save Simoncelli's life at the circuit, but he was pronounced dead just a few hours later, after being taken to the hospital.
A crash that struck a nation
After his death, Simoncelli's legacy lives on. Many recognised his unique spark that brightened every race weekend.
Many motorsport legends paid their respects after the young Italian's death, especially in the Formula One world. Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa visited the crash site in 2012 with Alonso saying: "Racing here will always be a little bit sad, knowing one of our colleagues died here.
"I think that will be the memory for him, and the whole Ferrari family and the Italian people will remember him always and that's the most important thing."
Mark Webber also visited the Sepang circuit, stating: "It's still in the forefront of your mind.
"We're all together - bikes, rally, whatever... The motorsport community is extremely tight and small when we lose anyone.
"Marco was an incredible warrior, with a great vibe. The way that his father handled the whole thing was just absolutely so special.
"I'll be thinking about him when I drive past for the first time, and then we get back into it.
"We race as he would do, have it wide open and get on with it."
Rossi also claimed that his riding academy is dedicated to his lost friends, stating: "I miss him a lot. I think my Academy is in his honour because the first rider that we helped was Marco. So, this is for him. We’d prefer to have Marco with us, but it’s what we can do".
The San Marino circuit was renamed in his honour, to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and a memorial plaque was added in Turn 11 at the Sepang track. In addition, Simoncelli’s father also started an Academy dedicated to helping young riders on their way to racing in the premier class. Founded in 2013, “Sic58 Squadra Corse” now races in the FIM Moto3 World Championship.
A new award was also named after him: the "Rookie of the Year - Marco Simoncelli" award and his iconic No.58 number has been retired.
Even transcending the motorsport world, AC Milan also paid tribute to the Italian rider with a special jersey.
However, perhaps the most touching tributes come from Italy, Simoncelli's home country. With "weeping walls" with messages dedicated to "SuperSIC" all around the country.
In Coriano, the city in which Simoncelli spent most of his childhood, a unique monument lights up the town almost every Sunday: a motorcycle exhaust-shaped installation which emits a three-meter long flame for 58 seconds, at dusk. This encapsulates the spirit of "SuperSIC", chaotic and bright, bringing passionate people together even now.
Gone but never forgotten, Simoncelli's spirit lives on beyond the world of MotoGP. In the same way stars continue to shine long after their death, “SuperSIC” continues to do so too, inspiring new generations of racers along the way.
