Valentino Rossi still has the “pain” of losing his friend Marco Simoncelli, which is alleged.
The talented MotoGP rider called SIC lost his life in 2011 in a tragic accident at the Sepang circuit.
Rossi, who was involved in the accident, appeared at Simoncelli’s funeral, which was later seen on Italian television. Motorsport came to gather and pay their respects, and he was not forgotten.
“What happened, I stayed at Paolo Simonselli and his family’s Colliano home for about two months,” veteran agent Carlo Pernat told Corriere della Serra.
“It was a way to gain power together, as Marco had hoped.
At the time, I never even thought about quitting the race. ”
Pernut revealed about Rossi in the aftermath of Simoncelli’s death:
“Paolo was a bit disappointed considering Verele’s relationship with Marco.
“I later understood the reason for that attitude. Valentino blamed himself because the last wheel to pass through Marco’s body in that cursed accident was that of his Ducati.
“He thought it was his fault.”
Eventually, Rossi appears at Simoncelli’s father’s house for an emotional reunion.
“When he saw Paolo, he hugged him and said, ‘Sorry, that was me,'” Pernut said.
“He lived that period very badly, but I think he still carries it with him.
“The pain remained in his head, Marco was his best friend.”
Valentino Rossi established the Academy to honor Marco Simoncelli
Rossi became MotoGP’s biggest star at nine world championships.
He founded the VR46 Academy in honor of his friend Simoncelli, who was designed to bring Italian talent.
Francesco Bagnaia became the first alumni to win the MotoGP title in 2023.
However, the mission began with Simoncelli.
“Marco was the winner and I can assure you that his friendship with Valentino started to crack a bit when he placed him behind in a few races,” Pernut recalled.
“After all, even if they’re really very good friends, there’s nothing worse than a friend who beats you.”
Pernat said of the Foundation named Simoncelli:
“He was everyone’s friends. It was impossible not to get along with him.”