Top People : Marco Simoncelli's Funeral (Photos)

Marco Simoncelli, Motorsport legend who was San Carlo Gresini Honda rider laid to rest following a funeral service that was witnessed by tens of thousands of people from all over Italy at Santa Maria Assunta church in Simoncelli's hometown Coriano, close to Riccione in the province of Rimini, Italy.
The crowd was estimated to reach 50,000 on the streets, and it may have turned out that way, as the streets were packed with crowds of mourners for the vibrant full throttle rider.
Sic's Gilera bike, on which he won the 2008 250cc World Championship title, and the Honda RC212V, on which he competed in the MotoGP class stood on either side of his casket during the final rites.
In attendance at the funeral are Marco's father Paolo, mother Rosella, sister Martina and girlfriend Kate, former fellow riders including Valentino Rossi, who was set to ride Simoncelli's motorcycle out at the end of the service as a tribute to his compatriot and close friend.
CEO of Dorna Sports Carmelo Ezpeleta, who attended the funeral services, shared with MotoGP his thoughts on the final ceremonies for Marco.
"What I experienced this afternoon in Coriano was very moving. After seeing the turnout of citizens, fans and the whole paddock there is no doubt that a great rider and a brilliant person has left us. The outpouring of affection that has been shown demonstrates that he has left his mark."
"I was impressed by the courage of Marco's family, and especially the strength of his father, Paolo, who was able to transmit his strength and energy to others... It has been extraordinary to see the MotoGP family come together for Marco Simoncelli. Despite the unfortunate loss, the tribute makes clear the immense affection that people had for him. We will never forget Marco."
Simoncelli, 24, lost control of his Honda motorcycle on the second lap of the Sepang circuit race on Sunday's Malaysian MotoGP. He ran across the paths of Colin Edwards and Rossi on the track, causing him to fall off his bike with his helmet flying out. He suffered massive head trauma, which quickly resulted in his death.
Paolo has previously spoken of his son and the fans' support to AFP.
"Thank you to everyone and I'm not just saying that... To say that I'm delighted with the way the world has reacted would be stupid but we hadn't realized how important Marco was to people... He was special -- people understood he was honest. Marco was pure," he said.

Flowers and messages are seen at a makeshift memorial for Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli in Coriano, northern Italy October 24, 2011.

People pay their respects in front of the coffin of Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli in Coriano, northern Italy October 26, 2011.

Young riders wait for the coffin of Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli to arrive for his funeral service in Coriano October 27, 2011.

Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo of Spain arrives to attend the funeral service of Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli in Coriano October 27, 2011.

Marco Simoncelli's Gilera bike, on which he won the 2008 250cc World Championship title, and the Honda RC212V, on which he competed in the MotoGP class stood on either side of his casket during the final rites.

The coffin of Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli arrives for his funeral service in Coriano October 27, 2011.

Ducati MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi, also a long time best friend of Marco Simoncelli helps to push the bike of Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli out of the church at the end of the funeral service in Coriano October 27, 2011.

Paolo and Rossella Simoncelli, father and mother of Marco Simoncelli, also with grandmother arrive to attend the funeral service of their son in Coriano October 27, 2011.

Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli's sister Martina (L) and girlfriend Kate react at the end of the funeral service in Coriano October 27, 2011.

People pay final tribute and clap at the end of the funeral service of Honda MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli in Coriano October 27, 2011.

Until now i gotta admit i still can't believe that Marco Simoncelli is already gone, i and arguably most MotoGP fans out there will surely missed Super Sic's actions on the race track for a long time in the future.


Once again, Ciao Super Sic T_T ...

Rossi, Families, Friends, and Fans : Farewell Marco Simoncelli

Most people, including me can't believe that the guaranteed next MotoGP icon, Marco Simoncelli passed away on Oct 23rd 2011 at 16.56 Malaysian Time. His tragic death caused by a horrific collision just moments into the Malaysian GP on Sunday.

Simoncelli was hit by Rossi and American Colin Edwards with the force knocking off his helmet, there was nothing they both could do though to avoid the crash, it happens really fast, no one could have thought of this happening in the early laps of the race.  Super Sic (Simoncelli's nickname) sustained serious trauma to his head, neck and chest and was taken to the Sepang track's medical centre but did not recover from the injuries.

Rossi had earlier paid tribute to his good mate

Here's some photos on the paddock on that sorrowful day.

Rossi shocked

Rossi can't believe what just happened

Rossi can't hold his tears

Marco Simoncelli's father

Marco Simoncelli's Team

Crying Fans

Another Crying Fans

Many motoGP fans out there will miss Super Sic so much that they could even not want to watch motoGP anymore, i still can't believe he's gone T_T ...

Rest In Peace Marco Simoncelli  58

1987: Born in Cattolica, Italy on January 20.                                                            
1996: Runner-up in the Italian Minimoto Championship.                                              
1999: Champion of the Italian Minimoto Championship.                                              
2000: Claims a back-to-back title in the Italian Minimoto Championship and is runner-  up in the European Minimoto Championship.                                                              
2001: Moves up to the the Italian 125cc Championship and wins the title in his rookie  year.                                                                                                                        
2002: Wins the European 125cc title.                                                                        
2003: Takes part in his first full season in the 125cc World Championship with the       Matteoni Racing team.                                                                                              
2004: Joins the Rauch Bravo team and wins his first Grand Prix at a rain-soaked          Jerez.                                                                                                                      
2005: Completes another 125cc campaign with the Nocable.it Race team and finishes fifth in the final standings.                                                                                        
2006: Moves up to the 250cc class riding for Gilera. Finishes the season in 10th           overall with a sixth place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix his best result.                      

20-01-1987 -- 23-10-2011 (24)

2008: June- Wins his first 250cc race at the Italian GP in Mugello in controversial circumstances when Hector Barbera crashed into him after Simoncelli appeared to try to block him off.
October- Wins the 250cc World Championship after a successful season with Gilera with a third place finish in the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.
2009: Finishes third overall in the 250cc World Championship behind Japan's Hiroshi Aoyama and Spain's Barbera.
2010: Moves up to ride in his debut MotoGP season for Honda. Finishes 16 of the 18 races en route to eighth place in the championship.
2011: May- Collides with Dani Pedrosa while battling for second in the French GP. The resulting crash saw Pedrosa break his collarbone and Simoncelli receive a ride-through penalty, eventually finishing fifth. Simoncelli accepted he needed to re-evaluate his driving style and at times be more cautious.
June - Claims his first MotoGP pole at the Catalan GP but a poor start resulted in a sixth placed finish.
October 23 - Killed in a crash during the Malaysian GP in Sepang.

To send your messages of condolence in his memory, please send an email to ciao@58marcosimoncelli.it