Valentino Rossi And Other MotoGP Riders Have Paid Tribute To Marco Simoncelli.

Valentino Rossi and other MotoGP riders have paid tribute to Marco Simoncelli, who died following a crash during the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang.

Seven-time world champion Rossi had mentored the Italian but unfortunately was involved in the collision which killed the 24-year-old.

Rossi said on Twitter: "Simoncelli for me was like a youngest brother.

"So strong on track and so sweet in the normal life. I will miss him a lot."

Simoncelli died after suffering "serious trauma" to the head, neck and chest in the accident which happened on lap two of the race.

He lost control of his bike, slid across the track and was hit by Rossi and American rider Colin Edwards - who broke his collarbone in the accident.

Simoncelli's helmet came off in the accident, and the Gresini Honda rider was taken to the medical centre for treatment, but was declared dead 45 minutes later.

Honda team-mate, and 2011 world champion Casey Stoner, said: "I'm so shocked and saddened by the loss of Marco.

"When things like this happen it reminds you how precious life is, it makes me feel sick inside."

Simoncelli's compatriot Andrea Dovizioso said: "He seemed invincible. What happened seems impossible."

Dovizioso and Simoncelli had ridden together in 125cc and 250cc as well as at MotoGP level.

And Dovizioso added: "We raced together since we were kids. I saw him always pushing to the maximum.

"He crashed many times but without major injuries. In these circumstances, words don't seem to be appropriate.

"I think of Marco's family and all the people dear to him, in particular his father and mother. I also have a child and what happened today is the hardest situation you can imagine.

"I watched the images and I'm shocked. In a race you fight and push hard and disaster is often around the corner. Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard."

Posted in: Motor Gp