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Simoncelli's death is the first in premier class since another Honda rider died at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix [Reuters]
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Italian rider Marco Simoncelli has died from the injuries he sustained in a crash on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Organisers confirmed the 24-year-old died on Sunday and that the race was cancelled following the crash.
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2002: Wins European 125cc title |
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June 2008: Wins his first 250cc race at Italian GP |
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October 2008: Wins 250cc World Championship |
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2009: Finishes third in 250cc World Championship |
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2010: Moves up to MotoGP class riding for Honda |
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June 2011: Claims first MotoGP pole at Catalunya GP |
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August 2011: First podium finish at Czech Republic GP |
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October 2011: 2nd place at Australian GP |
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Simoncelli fell and was hit by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi as he slid across the track on his Honda.
Simoncelli's helmet was knocked off in the incident and the season's penultimate race was immediately red-flagged.
Yamaha's Edwards also came off his bike but escaped serious injury, while Rossi was able to nurse his Ducati back to the pits.
Simoncelli lay stricken on the track before being taken to the circuit's medical centre where he was pronounced dead.
Casey Stoner, who won his second MotoGP title at his home Australian Grand Prix last week, said: "As soon as I saw the footage it just makes you sick inside.
"Whenever the helmet comes off, that's not a good sign."
Simoncelli's death is the first in the premier class since another Honda rider, Daijiro Kato, was killed at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix.
Shoya Tomizawa also died in a similar crash to Simoncelli in Moto2 last year.
Simoncelli, known for his shaggy afro haircut and fun-loving personality, began in the 125cc class in 2002 before moving up to the 250cc class in 2006.
He won the 250cc world title in 2008.
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