Marco Simoncelli

When I got up to watch the Malaysian MotoGP race little did I know what I was about to witness.  When the accident happened I did what I always do when there is a crash which was to utter the words "Get Up" over and over, but, this time, Marco didn't get up.

I got that terrible sinking feeling in my stomach, the race was cancelled and I then went onto my Twitter page - when I saw the first RIP Marco come up on my feed I started to cry.  It was just such a shock, he was a healthy 24 year old - my heart immediately went out to his Family and Friends.  I hope that they will find some peace with what has happened and that the outpouring of love, respect and support will bolster the obvious pride they had in Marco and see them through the dark days.

Please don't get me wrong here, I obviously didn't know Marco, but like many MotoGP fans I had watched him with interest over the 2011 season, a hard racer, fearless with the occasional hiccup here and there - but he was getting there, learning, perhaps the hard way at times, but still I believe that he would have been a title contender next year.

Watching interviews with him and his general demeanour showed he was his own Man, the gentle giant of the paddock seemed to always have an easy smile on his face - even when everyone else had their panties in a bunch over his riding!

I will miss seeing Marco next year, hearing the commentary team gently ribbing him about his hair (Sideshow Bob), because I think he had the personality and skill to be a champion in the MotoGP class and I think we are all poorer for him not being there to fight doing what he loved with the usual suspects.

So I bid you farewell Marco Simoncelli - I for one will miss the cheeky but shy personality, the mad hair, the hard racing, beautiful eyes and amazing smile.

Rest In Peace.