Fans flock to say goodbye to Sic
Added on Friday, October 28th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Fans flock to say goodbye to Sic
An estimated 20,000 people lined the streets of Coriano whilst thousands more watched on a big screen in Misano as Marco Simoncelli was laid to rest yesterday.
Stars from the motorcycling world, including close friend Valentino Rossi and teammate Hiroshi Aoyama paid their respects to the 24-year-old rider following Sunday’s tragic accident in Malaysia.
Simoncelli’s casket was carried into the Assunta church by friends and members of the Gresini team, and placed next to the Honda RC212V that he rode in the MotoGP championship and the Gilera on which he won the 250cc world championship.
Alongside Marco’s father Paolo, mother Rosella, sister Martina and girlfriend Kate, in attendance were current and former fellow riders including Giacomo Agostini, Alex Criville, Simone Corsi, Yuki Takahashi, Raffaele de Rosa, Chaz Davies, Mattia Pasini, Manuel Poggiali, Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso, Randy de Puniet, Loris Capirossi, Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis.
The ceremony was broadcast on a large video screen outside of the church, with many fans holding the Simoncelli’s number 58, as well as on an additional large screen installed at the nearby Misano circuit and online. Prior to the service the screens ran footage of the 24 year-old at his charismatic best in the paddock.
Also present at the services were FIM president Vito Ippolito and CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, who commented on the services.
“What I experienced this afternoon in Coriano was very moving. After seeing the turnout of citizens, fans and the whole paddock there is no doubt that a great rider and a brilliant person has left us. The outpouring of affection that has been shown demonstrates that he has left his mark.”
“I was impressed by the courage of Marco’s family, and especially the strength of his father, Paolo, who was able to transmit his strength and energy to others.”
“It has been extraordinary to see the MotoGP family come together for Marco Simoncelli. Despite the unfortunate loss, the tribute makes clear the immense affection that people had for him. We will never forget Marco.”
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