Italian Marco Simoncelli succumbed to injuries in a frightening crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix was red flagged and subsequently cancelled on Sunday after Marco Simoncelli suffered a serious accident, crashing on the second lap of the MotoGP race at the Sepang International Circuit.

Despite immediate medical attention and the best efforts of the entire medical team at the circuit, Marco tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident.

A press conference was held at which members of the Race Direction Paul Butler, Claude Danis, Franco Uncini and Javier Alonso were joined by Medical Director Doctor Michele Macchiagodena to explain the circumstances of Marco’s death.

Paul Butler opened the press conference, saying: “The purpose of this press conference is to apprise you of the circumstances that resulted in the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli.

“You know who we all are, the Race Direction; Claude Danis who is the FIM representative, Javier Alonso the Dorna representative, Franco Uncini the riders’ representative, and I’m Paul Butler the IRTA representative and Race Director.

“Michele Macchiagodena is our Medical Director and he will explain to you the circumstances that resulted in this death.”

Doctor Michele Macchiagodena explained the incident and confirmed the death of one of MotoGP’s brightest rising stars.

“I’m very sad to be here to report about the death of Marco Simoncelli, a friend,” he said. “Because of the crash he had during the race, in which he was hit by other riders, he suffered a very serious trauma to the head, to the neck and the chest.

“When our medical staff got to him he was unconscious. In the ambulance because there was a cardiac arrest they started CPR (cardiac pulmonary resuscitation).

“Immediately in the Medical Centre, with the help also of the Doctor of our staff at the Clinica Mobile and local Doctors, he was intubated and it was possible to take off some blood from the thorax.

“The CPR was continued for 45 minutes because we tried to help him for as long as we thought it was possible. Unfortunately it was not possible to help him and at 16:56 (local time) we had to declare he was dead.”

Paul Butler responded to a question about Marco Simoncelli’s helmet coming off in the crash by saying: “I think if I may reply, that will be for another occasion. Quite clearly the consequences and circumstances surrounding the accident will be thoroughly investigated.”

Answering a question about the condition of Colin Edwards, who was involved in the incident, Michele Macchiagodena said: “He had a dislocation of the shoulder and with anaesthesia the shoulder now is in the correct position. He is fine.”

Paul Butler concluded the press conference by adding: “Our sympathies go to his family and we want to show every respect possible to Marco.”

Profile
Rider: Marco Simoncelli – Italy
Team: San Carlo Honda Gresini
Racing number: 58
Race machine: RC1212V
Date of Birth: 20 January, 1987
Birthplace: Cattolica, Italy
First race: 1996 Minimoto
Grand Prix debut: 2002 Czech Republic 125cc GP, Brno Aprilia
First Grand Prix win: 2004 Spanish Grand Prix 125cc GP, Jerez Aprilia
Total Grand Prix wins: 14. 2 x 125cc Aprilia. 12 x 250cc Gilera
Total Grand Prix podiums: 31. 2 x MotoGP – Honda. 7 x 125cc Aprillia. 22 x 250cc Gilera
World titles: 1 x 250cc Gilera 2008

Career Highlights
1996: 2nd Italian Minimoto Championship
1997: 5th Italian Minimoto Championship
1998: 2nd Italian Minimoto Championship
1999: Italian Minimoto Champion
2000: Italian Minimoto Champion
2001: Italian 125 Champion – Honda
2002: European 125 Champion – Aprilia
2002: 33rd 125 World Championship – Aprilia
2003: 21st 125 World Championship – Aprilia
2004: 11th 125 World Championship – Aprilia
2005: 5th 125 World Championship – Aprilia
2006: 10th 250 World Championship – Gilera
2007: 10th 250 World Championship – Gilera
2008: 250 World Champion – Gilera
2009: 3rd 250 World Championship Gilera
2010: 8th MotoGP World Championship – Honda