News Summary
- Paolo Simoncelli says Valentino Rossi still occasionally dreams about Marco Simoncelli, who died at Sepang in October 2011.
- The father of the former MotoGP rider described the immense pain of losing his son, but insists his family has no regrets about supporting Marco’s racing career.
- Paolo continues running SIC58 Squadra Corse, the Moto3 team founded to preserve Marco’s legacy and develop young riders.
Valentino Rossi still occasionally dreams about Marco Simoncelli nearly 15 years after the Italian rider’s death at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix, according to Marco’s father Paolo, who has revealed that the nine-time world champion continues to share memories of his close friend.
Speaking in an interview with Italian publication Fanpage.it, Paolo Simoncelli reflected on the relationship between his son and Rossi, explaining that the two remained close despite becoming competitors in MotoGP. Their friendship began during training sessions at La Cava, the circuit used by Rossi before he established his famous VR46 Ranch.
Marco died on October 23, 2011, aged 24, following an accident at Sepang. With the 15th anniversary approaching this Friday, Paolo acknowledged that the loss continues to affect both his family and those who knew the former 250cc world champion.
“Every now and then we talk, we see each other, we hug, and he tells me that he sometimes dreams about Marco,” Paolo told Fanpage.it. “It happens to me too. It’s normal.”
Rossi and Simoncelli shared a friendship beyond MotoGP
Paolo recalled that Rossi and Simoncelli developed a strong relationship long before Marco became established in the premier class.
The two trained together at La Cava, where Rossi helped younger Italian riders improve their skills and prepare for international competition.
According to Paolo, Simoncelli initially struggled to match the more experienced riders, but improved rapidly and soon began challenging them during training.
Their sessions became increasingly competitive, with Rossi and Marco enjoying close battles that helped prepare Simoncelli for the demands of MotoGP.
“Marco and Vale always had a wonderful relationship,” Paolo said.
Although their relationship attracted attention when they became rivals on track, Paolo insisted that the respect between them never disappeared.
The friendship was particularly important during Simoncelli’s progression from the smaller classes to MotoGP.
Marco won the 2008 250cc World Championship with Gilera before moving to the premier class in 2010 with Gresini Honda.
His aggressive riding style, distinctive appearance and willingness to challenge established stars quickly made him one of the championship’s most recognisable personalities.
Rossi, meanwhile, was already a multiple world champion and one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Paolo said the friendship remained important to both riders, even as their careers brought them into direct competition.
Paolo Simoncelli describes ‘immense pain’ after son’s death
Simoncelli’s death during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix remains one of the most painful moments in modern MotoGP history.
The Italian lost control of his Honda during the second lap at Sepang and was involved in an accident with Colin Edwards and Rossi.
The race was stopped, and Simoncelli was subsequently pronounced dead at the circuit’s medical centre.
Paolo described the experience of losing his son as something that changed his family’s life immediately.
“It’s an immense pain,” he said, explaining that such a loss leaves families struggling to regain their balance.
However, he insisted that he and his wife Rossella do not regret the sacrifices they made to support Marco’s racing ambitions.
The family had invested considerable time and resources in helping him progress through kart tracks, minibikes and the international motorcycle racing ladder.
Paolo recalled travelling extensively and searching for financial support to allow Marco to continue competing.
“We did everything we could to make Marco happy,” he said.
He explained that knowing Marco had been doing what he loved provided some comfort after the tragedy.
Paolo also credited Marco’s sister Martina with helping the family through the years following his death.
SIC58 Squadra Corse keeps Simoncelli’s legacy alive
Rather than leave motorcycle racing after losing his son, Paolo decided to establish a team that would continue Marco’s connection with the sport.
SIC58 Squadra Corse was founded in 2013, initially competing in the Italian championship before expanding into international racing.
The organisation entered the Moto3 World Championship in 2017 and has since developed young riders while preserving Simoncelli’s name and racing number.
Paolo explained that remaining involved in motorsport helped him cope with the loss, even though returning to circuits and the paddock initially brought painful memories.
The team has also provided opportunities for riders progressing through the junior categories, with the objective of helping young competitors develop their careers.
Alongside the racing operation, the Marco Simoncelli Foundation supports social projects and charitable initiatives established in his memory.
Paolo described the work as an important part of maintaining a connection with his son, allowing Marco’s name to continue helping people beyond motorcycle racing.
The Italian also acknowledged that avoiding the paddock would have been the easier decision for many families, but he felt that continuing the project was the right choice for him.
Simoncelli anniversary coincides with Phillip Island farewell
The 15th anniversary of Simoncelli’s death falls on Friday, October 23, the opening day of MotoGP’s Australian Grand Prix weekend at Phillip Island.
The event will be the championship’s final appearance at the circuit before the Australian round moves to Adelaide in 2027.
The farewell celebrations will feature several of the sport’s greatest former riders, including Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner and Kevin Schwantz.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported, the Australian champions will participate in a ceremonial lap before Sunday’s race.
Schwantz has also reflected on his own unfinished business at Phillip Island, revealing his regret at never completing a Grand Prix at the circuit.
Rossi’s influence remains visible throughout the modern MotoGP paddock, including through the VR46 Riders Academy and his racing team.
The academy has helped develop several Italian competitors, while the VR46 Ducati operation will introduce a new rider pairing for 2027.
Nicolò Bulega will join the team next season after completing his WorldSBK career with 52 victories.
