Marco Simoncelli dies in Malaysian MotoGP crash

In a tragic week for motorsport, Gersini Honda rider Marco Simoncelli has died from injuries sustained in the second lap of the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang on Sunday.

The Italian lost control of the front of his bike on turn 11, but rather than sliding off the track, was dragged back into an unavoidable collision with both Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

The race was immediately stopped, with Simoncelli taken to the local medical centre. It was later confirmed the 24-year-old had died from his injuries.

The news follows last weekend’s death of British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon in the season finale in Las Vegas.

A rising star in the sport, Marco Simoncelli was the 2008 250cc world champion, and last week had claimed his best ever MotoGP finish of second at Philip Island.

2011 was Simoncelli's second MotoGP season, and he had signed to remain with Gresini and Honda next year.

A statement on the official MotoGP website reads: “Everybody involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Marco's family, friends and team at this tragic loss.”

Tributes are being posted on Twitter from his driving friends and contemporaries.

Mark Webber wrote: “"R.I.P Marco A special talent that will be missed... Thinking of your loved ones, and all the motogp paddock..mark."

British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow wrote: "RIP Marco Simoncelli ! A great rider and all round nice guy. My thoughts are with all his family & friends. I will never forget today."

The Rizla Suzuki team said: "All at Rizla Suzuki are deeply affected by today's tragic events and send their deepest condolences to Marco's family and friends during this time of great loss.

"R.I.P Marco Simoncelli, 20 January 1987 - 23 October 2011 - A true competitor."