Marco Simoncelli honoured as MotoGP Legend

Simoncelli was the 2008 250cc World Champion and had made an immediate impression in MotoGP when he moved to that class in 2010.

The 24-year-old Italian scored his first podium at Brno in 2011, followed later by a second-place finish at the same year's Phillip Island MotoGP round, before tragically losing his life in the next round at Sepang.

The Italian rider gained millions of fans worldwide with his charisma, ability and racing style, and in addition to becoming a 250cc World Champion he amassed 15 pole positions, 31 podiums and 14 victories across the three Grand Prix classes. 'superSic' is fondly remembered by the MotoGP community.

While Simoncelli's induction into the elite Hall of Fame club was announced earlier this year, the ceremony was held over to be held at his 'home' round at Mugello.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta officially inducted Simoncelli into the MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame on Friday, May 30, in the presence of the late rider's father, Paolo, fiancée, Kate Fretti, and Vito Ippolito, FIM President.

Simoncelli is the 21st rider to become a MotoGP Legend, joining compatriots such as Giacomo Agostini and Carlo Ubbiali on the list of illustrious names.

The last rider to be inducted into the Hall of Fame was Casey Stoner, at Phillip Island last year.

Images: motogp.com