Marco Simoncelli was born in 1987 on January 20. He was one of the best, most talented Italian riders. In 2008, at the age of 21, he became the world champion in motorcycle racing (class 250cc). Marco is not with us now. But the whole world honors his memory. Well, it's worth talking about his biography and achievements, because he was a really great pilot.
How it all began
Marco Simoncelli showed his love for motorsport in a very early childhood. Already at the age of nine, he spent his first starts in the national championship in the “Mini-Moto” class. And from 1996 to 2000, he was a regular participant in competitions in this category. Gradually, the little boy grew up, gained experience, polished his skills and finally won his native championship! First, once, and after him - the second. And in 2000, he also became vice-champion of European races. Then he was barely thirteen years old.
The next step that Marco took was his transition to class 125cc. Here, the motorcycle racer quickly got used to a rather new and undeveloped technique and gained a certain stability, so necessary for a professional athlete. Already in 2001 (just in the year of his debut) Marco Simoncelli won the national championship, and in 2002 the European Championship. These successes could not go unnoticed. And a year later, in 2003, the Italian motorcycle racer took part in the race, held at the highest level. And in 2004, he signed a combat pilot contract. Then he was only 17 years old.
Equipment
Exactly one and a half season, Marco Simoncelli got used to the world championship. But in 2004, he was already competing with the leaders of his class on full and equal rights. However, due to the fact that there were too many gatherings (six in 15 starts - this is a very high indicator for the rider), he was unable to rise above 11th place. But in 2004, Marco won the pole position in the class (first!) And even won first place in the World Cup.
But in 2005, the Italian motorcycle racer became noticeably more stable - he made six podiums in a row and only one gathering. Throughout the year, he scored so many points that he managed to rise to fifth place in the overall standings. And these successes were highly appreciated by the leadership of the world championship, which is senior in class. So in 2006, Marco Simoncelli began a sports career of a different level - the highest. He became the only driver from the Tor-8 of the personal classification of his class, who was offered to sign a contract in the 250cc category.
Peak career
Marco Simoncelli, whose biography is really very interesting, did not get used to the new technology for a long time. He dealt with her almost instantly. In the debut season, he finished in points as much as 12 times (in 16 races!). As a result, he got 10th place - very decent for a beginner. And in 2008, Marco showed the whole world that he can do better, more, faster. And he became the world champion.
This, of course, attracted the attention of owners of titled teams. And let Marco continue to show a decent level, but he faced one more question: what more prestigious series to go to? He and his manager were engaged in this. Because Marco, doing two things at the same time, lost the second world title to the Japanese Hiroshi Aoyama. But then he participated in the World Cup superbike that took place in Imola. And successfully - he completed the second race, finishing on the podium.
In 2010, Marco moved to senior class, and finished his first season in 8th place overall.
Tragic incident
2011 was not a good year for a motorcycle racer. Although he won two poles, although he won the podium, he too often got into accidents, because of which he dropped out of the race ahead of schedule. However, it became fatal on October 23 for Marco Simoncelli. The accident, which became a terrible tragedy, occurred that day.
It was a race held as part of the penultimate stage of that World Cup. She took place on the Sepang highway, in Malaysia. When the rider went through the second round, he lost control of his motorcycle. Marco wanted to compete with the enemy for the position, but when he got out of the corner, he simply fell under the wheels of Edwards, Rossi and the rest of the pilots who followed him. The speed was frantic, and they just did not have time to do something.
Of course, the driver was immediately resuscitated in the nearest clinic. Doctors tried to do everything in their power. But the pilot’s heart failed to start. At 16:56 local time, his death was announced. This is true: injuries were incompatible with life. The pilot’s chest, head and neck — their integrity — could not be restored. In addition, during the collision, Simoncelli's helmet split, which is to say about the skull ...
Farewell to Marco
A few days later, a public farewell was held to the pilot. Marco was buried in Coriano, in a church cemetery. A little later, his memory was honored by naming in his honor the prize awarded to the best newcomer of the season (in the senior category). And in 2013, a monument to Simoncelli was opened. It is made of metal, in the form of a horizontal pipe. From it every Sunday evening a flame erupts for 58 seconds.
Marco really was one of the best Italian pilots. And this tragedy is forever remembered by all motor sports enthusiasts.