MARCO SIMONCCELLI

Marco Simoncelli’s father (in white shirt) being consoled as he waits outside a medical centre where his son was taken to following the crash. — AFP picture

SEPANG: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) hopes that the fans will understand the gravity of the circumstances which led to the cancellation of the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix yesterday.The record crowd of 67,112 at the Sepang Circuit saw only two laps of the MotoGP race, the main event, before it was called off following the incident which resulted in the death of Italian rider Marco Simoncelli.

Not knowing of the tragic situation, the crowd showed their frustration by throwing things like tin cans and plastic bottles onto the track.

"It was just unfortunate, but understandable," said SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir.
At the time of the cancellation, the official announcement was that due to medical staff being fully involved in efforts to save Simoncelli, and without sufficient medical personnel on standby, the race could not be continued.

"I understand how the fans feel. There was a delay in the transmission of information from the medical centre to the public. Simoncelli's family had to be notified, then the organisers and then the public.

"Under those circumstances, it was unavoidable, but I'm sure when the fans find out what had happened, they will understand why the race had to be cancelled," said Mokhzani.

He added that though the organisers had prepared thoroughly for all situations, particularly with regard to safety, unexpected incidents do still happen.

"Despite all the precautions and preparations we take to ensure safety, in motor sports you can never guarantee that something is 100 per cent safe.

"In 99 other crashes, you would expect the rider to get up and get back on his bike, but the one occasion when a rider does not survive, does happen.

"Our condolences to Simoncelli's family. This is a big loss to the world of motorcycling," said Mokhzani.

Source: NST