Motorsport world salutes Marco Simoncelli

Tributes have poured in for MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli from across the motorsport community following his tragic death in an accident during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Gresini Honda rider, who only scored his best MotoGP result of second place at Phillip Island a week earlier, fell during the early stages of the Sepang race and was unavoidably collected by the following Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

A devastatingly black week for motorsport, the Italian's death comes just a week after two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was killed in competition at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

A number of motorsport stars have taken to social networking sites to express their condolences to the fallen rider:

Luca di Montezemolo
"I am very sad to hear of the death of Marco Simoncelli. I was very impressed by his speed, talent and the determination he showed this year. His qualities reminded me of Gilles Villeneuve and now, fate has chosen to link them in this tragic fashion. On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I offer all our condolences to Marco's family for their loss."

Stefano Domenicali
"It's hard to express in words the pain felt at the loss of such a cheery character like Marco Simoncelli. Events such as these and the equally tragic loss of Dan Wheldon a week ago in the Las Vegas Indy Car race, remind us how all those who take part in motor sport are always exposed to these risks. One must never drop one's guard, aware that there is nothing one can do against fate. Now, the thoughts of all of us men and women at Ferrari and those at the Mugello circuit go out to Marco's family and friends and his team. I am really close to Fausto Gresini, a dear friend who comes from my home town, Imola, who is going through a particularly fraught time right now."

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

Jenson Button
"R.I.P Marco... Such an exciting talent lost. "My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone involved in MotoGP. Motorsport can be so cruel..."

Lewis Hamilton
"RIP MarcoSimoncelli. My thoughts are with his family, friends and team at this extremely sad time. Another tragic loss at such an early age."

Michael Schumacher
"It is terrible to hear the news about the death of another motorsports passionate. Through my side-trip into motor biking I know how popular Marco Simoncelli has been there. But in Biking as in other motor sports you cannot eliminate every risk, and then tragedies happen which should not happen. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

Heikki Kovalainen
"I can't believe motogp star Simoncelli has died in a crash, another great talent lost today."

Rubens Barrichello
"It was so so hard to hear the news this morning here in Brazil. The death of another great guy and great rider...RIP Simoncelli..."

Tributes were also paid by the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, which welcomed Simoncelli to sample its Fiesta RS WRC recently and ride alongside Mikko Hirvonen.

Malcolm Wilson
"The result [Rally de Espana] was obviously overshadowed by the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli in the MotoGP race in Malaysia. Marco visited M-Sport just a few weeks ago to test a Fiesta RS WRC. His enthusiasm and delight at being in the car were clear for all to see and we are all extremely saddened at the news. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues."
Mikko Hirvonen
He was a really nice guy and I spent two days with him in a rally car and it was great to see how he enjoyed the new experience he had. It's really unfortunate what happened and for sure it makes many people very sad. Unfortunately in motorsport these things can happen. As a driver we have to accept that. At the same time, in all motorsport, people are developing the safety side and a lot of work has gone on in this, but these things can still happen so it's really unfortunate.