Marco Simoncelli tragically lost his life on October 23rd, 2011, at the Sepang circuit following a crash on the second lap of the MotoGP race. The Italian rider had dazzled the World Championship paddock with his charisma, ability and racing style, and was a World Champion having taken the 250cc title in 2008, a title he narrowly missed out on defending in 2009. Arriving in the premier class in 2010, his progress was rapid and before his untimely death he had already taken two premier class podiums and two poles in a strong second MotoGP campaign. Marco will be greatly missed by all those involved in MotoGP, and will forever be remembered as one of the Championship’s great characters and talents.