Racers pay tribute to Marco Simoncelli

The world of motorsport is in mourning over the passing of yet another racer. MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli died after a horrific crash during last weekend's race in Malaysia.

The 24-year-old Italian rider was involved in a collision with Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards. He lost control of his bike on turn 11 and lost his helmet in the ensuing crash. The race was immediately stopped and Simoncelli was rushed to the local medical centre, where he died from his injuries.

His death comes just one week after the tragic loss of British Indycar driver Dan Wheldon, who crashed at the season finale in Las Vegas.

Tributes poured in via Twitter for the affable young Italian rider, one of the sport's rising stars.

Valentino Rossi, MotoGP rider
"Sic for me was like a youngest brother. so strong on track and so sweet in the normal life. I will miss him a lot."
@ValeYellow46

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

Jorge Lorenzo, MotoGP rider
"Only you will be missed, rest in peace Marco" (translated)
@lorenzo99

Andrea Dovizioso, MotoGP rider
"RIP Marco. My thoughts and my prayers are with Marco's family and friends"
@AndreaDovizioso

Alvaro Bautista, MotoGP rider
"SIC was a great driver and we will all miss him. Much encouragement to family and friends #58
@19Bautista

Nicky Hayden, MotoGP rider
"Sometimes life just don't make sense... RIP #58 you were a star on & off track we all going to miss you..."
@NickyHayden69

MotoGP, official world championship
"MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Marco's family, friends and team at this tragic loss."
@MotoGP

LCR Honda, MotoGP team
"A great tragedy hits MotoGP world today, we have lost a friend Marco Simoncelli. We cry a friend."
@LCRHondaMotoGP

Lewis Hamilton, F1 driver
"RIP Marco Simoncelli. My thoughts are with his family, friends and team at this extremely sad time. Another tragic loss at such an early age."
@LewisHamilton

Jenson Button, F1 driver
"R.I.P Marco... Such an exciting talent lost. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone involved in MotoGP."
@JensonButton

Mark Webber, F1 driver
"R.I.P Marco A special talent that will be missed... Thinking of your loved ones, and all the motogp paddock. mark."
@AussieGrit

Scuderia Ferrari
"Ferrari offers condolences for the death of Simoncelli"
@InsideFerrari