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| Paolo Simoncelli, is comforted as he waits for news on his son, Honda Gresini Racing's Marco Simoncelli. |
An air of foreboding lingered as the week began in motorsport. On the 16th of October 2011, racing fans all over the world were stunned by the horrifying multi-car crash at the Las Vegas Speedway, which tragically took the life of 2005 IndyCar Champion and two time Indy 500 winner Daniel Clive Wheldon. A week later, at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, another accident, this time befalling Marco Simoncelli, has certainly left the racing world questioning itself. What can the organizers, sponsors, administrators, fans, drivers and riders learn from these tragic events?
Lasting only up to its second lap, the 2011 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix had to be canceled due to the aforementioned accident that claimed the life of Marco Simoncelli. Quick reactions by the track-side marshals ensured Marco was promptly taken to the medical center, but as many would now know, it sadly never affected the outcome.
Noted was the reaction of the spectators towards the cancellation of the race. Despite announcements being given out, it took some time for them to divert their attention to the PA system, and subsequently realize the main reason behind the cancellation, and the seriousness of Mr. Simoncelli's injuries.
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| Rubbish covered the track after the cancellation of the Grand Prix was announced. |
Doubtless the spectators, along with many other fans around the world, have learned a valuable lesson. At the end of the day, no matter how safe motorsport becomes, human lives are still being put on the line, and the risk of death is as real as ever. With that in mind, they must be aware of the possibility of accidents, whether minor or major, and their capacity to unfold into tragedy.
