Marco Simoncelli has died from injuries sustained in an accident on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Honda Gresini rider was one of the most exciting future prospects on the MotoGP grid and secured his best finish last time out in Australia, where he finished second behind 2011 Champion Casey Stoner.

Simoncelli was battling hard as per usual when he lost the front of his bike. However, Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards couldn’t avoid him and both hit the young rider. He was taken to the medical centre where he was reported to have severe trauma to the head, neck and chest. The medical staff tried to revive him, but just before 5pm local time he was declared dead.

Simoncelli won the 125cc European championship and after a stint in the world championship 125cc class he progressed to the 250cc championship, which he won in 2008 – taking six victories that season. He moved up to the MotoGP grid in 2010 and has impressed with blistering pace and an attacking mentality.

The news comes as a huge shock to all his fans and to the motor sport world in general. Motor Sport offers its sincere condolences and sympathies to Marco’s family and friends.