The following statement is from Dorna regarding the tragic accident that ended Marco Simoncelli’s life earlier today, and includes the attending physician’s statement regarding Simoncelli’s fatal injuries:
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 said: “I’m very sad to be here to report about the death of Marco Simoncelli, a friend. 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.”
Helmet coming off: Either his helmet didn’t fit correctly (too big) or he did not properly fasten the chin strap. Any other theories?
We are all in this world for a brief moment, it seems like the bad is that the good ones go first. Rest in Peace Marco and continue racing above.
totally gutted that hes gone he was the most fearless rider I have ever seen. He was so competitive for a larger sized rider that he would have been awesome on the 1000cc bikes next year. RIP Marco
A “racing incident” for sure. He would forgive Colin and Vale for there was no way they could have avoided this.
He was a passionate and very entertaining racer who had much potential.
How very sad for his friends and family, as he would have been a huge joy in their lives.
Ciao Marco.
He had the potential to replace Rossi as a future champion and showman in years to come. RIP Marco.
Tragic. RIP Marco…you were definitely on road to much success.
God Bless you Marco. You made us smile with your personality and determination. Your battles with Bautista in the 250’s are unforgettable. Your passing has left the paddock a far less interesting place.
Wow that sucks. I’d followed Marco closes this year, a bit over enthusiastic at times but huge potential. RIP young man.
My gosh, his helmet was knocked off during the crash. Hard to see how any rider could survive an impact like that.
i m very sad and pray for mr.Marco Simoncelli be peace.i have some questions,when i see the incident and the way of Marco on motorbike before crash was something wrong.u can see in the clip how can a rider can fall without anything happened and the way he was on bike look like he already faint or dead…plz investigation this case..
His crash was caused plainly by agressive racing. It began as a classic “low side”, where the front tire loses traction at maximum lean. Most every time this results in a farily safe slide off to the outside of the turn. Marco fought to get the bike upright (like champions do)and the tires regained traction causing the bike to veer towards the inside of the turn and in front of the riders directly behind him.
Nothing appears to have gone “wrong” here, just an extraordinary set of circumstances that has taken one of racing’s best and brightest talents, not to mention young man loved by many.
Marco was a true up and coming superstar… It is a very sad day for the Moto GP world… My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
He raced with his gloves off… a talent never realized 🙁 ciao ciao bello
This is truly heartbreaking… 🙁
Very sad day for racing. 🙁