Marco Simoncelli: biography, life and career of the best Italian motorcycle racer

Marco Simoncelli was born in 1987, on the 20th of January. He was one of the best, most talented Italian riders. In 2008, at the age of 21, he became the world champion in motorcycle racing (class 250cc). Now Marco is not with us. But the whole world honors his memory. Well, it's worth telling about his biography and achievements, because he was really an excellent pilot.

How it all began

Marco Simoncelli showed his love for motorsport in very early childhood. Already at the age of nine he held his first starts in the national championship in the class "Mini-moto". And from 1996 to 2000, inclusive was a regular participant in the competition in this category. Gradually, the little boy grew up, gained experience, polished his skills and finally won his native championship! First one time, followed by the second one. And in 2000 he also became vice-champion of European races. Then he was just thirteen years old.

The next step that Marco made was his transition to the 125cc class. Here the motorcycle racer is quickly accustomed to a fairly new and undeveloped technique and acquires a certain stability, so necessary for a professional sportsman. Already in 2001 (just in the year of his debut), Marco Simoncelli wins the national championship, and in 2002 - the European Championships. These successes could not go unnoticed. And a year later, in 2003, the Italian motorcycle racer took part in the race, held at the highest level. And in 2004 he signed a contract for a combat pilot. Then he was only 17 years old.

Equipment

Exactly one and a half season Marco Simoncelli got used to the world championship. But in 2004 he already competes with the leaders of his class on full and equal rights. However, due to the fact that too many gatherings occurred (six in 15 starts - this is a very high figure for the rider), he did not manage to rise above 11th place. But in 2004, Marco won pole position in the class (first!) And even won first place in the World Cup stage.

But in 2005, the Italian motorcycle racer was noticeably more stable - he made six podiums in a row and only the only one. Throughout the year, he scored so many points that he managed to climb to fifth place in the overall standings. And these successes were highly appreciated by the leadership of the World Championship, which is the senior in the class. So in 2006, Marco Simoncelli started a sports career of a different level - the higher one. He became the only rider from the Tor-8 personal offset of his class, who was offered to sign a contract in the category of 250cc.

Career peak

Marco Simoncelli, whose biography is really very interesting, did not get used to the new technique for a long time. He sorted it out almost instantly. In the debut season, he finished in glasses as much as 12 times (for 16 races!). As a result, he got the 10th place - very decent for a beginner. And in 2008, Marco showed the whole world that he can better, more, faster. And he became the world champion.

This, of course, attracted the attention of the owners of the titled teams. And let Marco continue to show a decent level, but he faced another question: which more prestigious series to go? This he and his manager were engaged in. Because Marco, doing two things at the same time, lost the second world title to Japanese Hiroshi Aoyama. But he took part in the World Superbike Championship, which took place in Imola. And successfully - the second race, he finished, finishing on the podium.

In 2010, Marco moved to the senior class, and finished his first season on the 8th place overall.

Tragic incident

2011 was not successful for the motorcycle racer. Let him and won two poles, although he won the podium, but too often he got into an accident, because of what he dropped out of the race ahead of time. However, the fatal October 23 was for Marco Simoncelli. The accident, which became a terrible tragedy, occurred that day.

It was a race that took place in the penultimate stage of that World Cup. It took place on the Sepang road, in Malaysia. When the driver passed the second round, he lost control of his motorcycle. Marco wanted to fight the enemy for position, but when he left the turn, he just fell under the wheels of Edwards, Rossi and the other pilots who were driving behind him. The speed was frantic, and they just did not have time to do something.

Of course, the driver was immediately resuscitated in the nearest clinic. Doctors tried to do everything that was in their power. But the pilot's heart failed to start. At 16:56 local time, it was announced his death. This is true: injuries were incompatible with life. The pilfer's chest, head and neck - their integrity - was unreal to restore. In addition, the collision split the helmet Simoncelli, which is to say about the skull ...

Farewell to Marco

A few days later, a public farewell to the pilot was held. Marco was buried in Coriano, in a churchyard. A little later his memory was honored, calling in his honor a prize given to the best season newcomer (in the senior category). And in 2013 they opened a monument to Simoncelli. It is made of metal, in the form of a horizontal pipe. From it every Sunday evening bursts out the flame for 58 seconds.

Marco was indeed one of the best Italian pilots. And this tragedy is forever remembered by all motorsport fans.