F1 News
Date: 22/March/2012
Ferrari F1 star Fernando Alonso says that he will never feel the same way about the Sepang Circuit, venue for this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, following the tragic death of MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli.
Rising Italian hero Simoncelli was killed after falling and then sliding across the track in front of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards in last October’s motorcycle grand prix.
Sepang holds special memories for Alonso, having been the scene of his first F1 pole and podium, but they are now mixed with sadness.
“This will always be one of my favourite circuits because your first pole and first podium in Formula One you always remember, and both things here in 2003,” said Alonso.
“So, it’s a circuit I love to drive. It’s quite technical and quite interesting.
“At the same time, after the accident of Marco last year racing here will always be a little bit sad, knowing that one of our colleagues died here. It will always be difficult to race.
“I think the Ferrari family and all Italians who love sport and motorcycling will remember him always. His death was something one could never have expected. He will always be a hero to us.”
Earlier in the day Alonso, team-mate Felipe Massa and members of the Ferrari team paid tribute to Simoncelli at the corner which claimed the former 250cc world champion’s life.
“We wanted to go to Turn 11 to pay a tribute to Marco’s memory,” confirmed Massa, who joined Alonso in holding a pit board saying ‘Sic, always with us’.
“I think it was the least we could do for him, for his family and for all his fans. I think that all weekend long, we will drive here with thoughts of Marco.”
With Alonso only fifth in last weekend’s Australian season opener, which Massa failed to finish, the Ferrari drivers are facing an uphill battle if they are to pay a podium tribute to Simoncelli on Sunday.
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