Marco at the Dedikato Dinner in Misano.
This was originally an article I wrote for my race-ly Mahindra Report. It was not posted, thought I'd share it here.
This weekend has been one of the worst weekends in recent memory. A true talent, Marco Simoncelli, tragically lost his life.
Usually this piece is exciting and fun, but I do not feel it appropriate to show the usual excitement in these times, despite Danny Webb scoring a decent 13th place, there is no room for celebration. Whenever someone dies in any sport it is tragic, however this hits particularly close to home.
I had met ‘Super Sic’ on several occasions and each time he was a truly wonderful person. He was as genuine as they come, what you saw in the interviews is what he was like in real life, a true character. He was family focused, never seen too far from his loving father and girlfriend. I remember once seeing him at Barcelona airport playing cards with his father and some of his crew, it was a very human moment. That may seem a little odd, but often we view the MotoGP riders as more than heroes, often they’re superheroes to us and it’s a special moment when you realise that they’re not so different to you and I.
Being but a few metres away when he took his first podium in Brno this year was another wonderful moment. He and his father embracing, both of them loved racing and were fully focused on Marco being the best rider he could be.
Not only was Simoncelli a wonderful and charming person but he was also an excellent racer. A double 250 World Champion, as well as a frequent resident to the front row of the grid. He was full of raw talent and without doubt would have been at least a contender for the World Championship in the years to follow. Sadly his time ended prematurely, and he will be deeply missed. From the Red Bull Rookies to the experienced journalists, everyone will miss Marco’s unique personality. There will be no one which will ever fill the void he has left. From myself, and all of the Mahindra Team, you will be missed and remembered always Marco.
Ciao Super Sic.
