Coriano pays tribute to Simoncelli on his birthday

A special mood surrounds the small town of Coriano, the birthplace of Marco Simoncelli, as January 20th marks what would have been the late rider’s 25th birthday. Several events are organized to honor the memory of 'Sic', beginning with an official ceremony in the Palazzetto dello Sport to remember number 58.

Coriano’s Special Commissioner, Maria Virginia Rizzo, together with Simoncelli’s father Paulo, officially designated the sports area as "Palazzetto dello Sport Marco Simoncelli" in the presence of family members, public authorities and sports enthusiasts. Teachers and students of Coriano’s School of Music "Draghi" provided music for the event.

Following the ceremony, projected images of a large mural to be dedicated to the 2008 250cc World Champion and created by street artist David "Eron" Salvadei in the coming months were projected on the sports arena walls.

In addition, the local public transportation agency and TRAM services will assign the number 58 to the public line that travels from Riccione to Coriano. Work continues on the refurbishment of the area where his statue will stand. The monument will portray 'SuperSic' on the podium at Phillip Island in 2011, his final podium of the talented rider’s MotoGP adventure.