Marco Simoncelli passes away after Sepang crash

Marco Simoncelli has passed away in Malaysia after crashing during the second lap of the MotoGP race at the Sepang circuit earlier today.

The 24-year-old was battling with Alvaro Bautista for fourth position when he lost the front at turn 11. Following riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi were unable to take avoiding action and both riders collided with Simoncelli, his helmet coming off in the collision. 

The race was cancelled after race direction felt they could not continue while they worked to treat Simoncelli. His condition was described as critical but conscious, but the 2008 250GP world champion succumbed to his injuries at 16:56 local time.