Yesterday October 23 2011, Marco Simoncelli died on the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, during the penultimate round of the MotoGP season.

The race was stopped on lap two when Simoncelli’s bike rocketed across the track at turn 11 into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. The 24-year-old had his helmet knocked off and was hit by both other riders. American rider Edwards also fell and dislocated his shoulder – while Simoncelli’s fellow Italian Rossi was able to return to the pits.

RTR  wants to join the big hug that  the world of MotoGP and of Sports in general is giving to a great champion.  His ever-present smile, the trademark hair and  that everlasting expression, the one of a dreamy guy who was really  in love with what he did and cared little or nothing about the rest of the world.

This crash closes a horrific week for motorsports. First Dan Wheldon, then Spies with his horrendous hit  (he is still paying the salty duty of the accident) and Lorenzo’s finger and finally, yesterday, SuperSic. A horrible week, which has spared nothing and nobody and has thrown its long shadow on MotorSport.

A lot has been said, and by authoritative voices. Never mind the rest.

Simoncelli was not only  the future  of bike racing, but of sports in general. He could have been, would have surely been, the new Valentino Rossi, in terms of popularity, palmares and love gathered.

Marco was one of those who were hated  so much on track for their driving style but loved outside because of their authenticity, passion and popularity. If things follow the right script, the weekend in Valencia will be a long, sad, and giant tribute to Simoncelli, as it should be.

Goodbye Marco, we will miss you!