Valentino Rossi: Paolo Simoncelli’s revelation moves everyone

Fifteen years after Marco Simoncelli’s passing, the memory of the champion from Romagna remains alive, thanks in part to his father Paolo, who has remained in the world of motorcycle racing as the driving force behind SIC58 Squadra Corse, competing in Moto3 with Austrian Leo Rammerstorfer and Irishman Casey O’Gorman. In this regard, the words that the 76-year-old manager dedicated to Valentino Rossi during an interview with Fanpage did not go unnoticed among fans and industry insiders.

Paolo Simoncelli recounted how the relationship between “Sic” and the Doctor went far beyond the track. The two shared important moments, training sessions, challenges, and a deep friendship that left an indelible mark even after the tragic death of the Coriano rider in 2011. “I believe they lived their own story, and Marco considered him a friend; he cared deeply for him,” said Simoncelli Sr.

“Clearly, what happened—and how it happened—was difficult for him too, because in the end, life is strange. Incredible coincidences,” he added, referring to the tragic accident at Sepang. “Every now and then we talk, we see each other, we hug—he tells me that sometimes he dreams about him. It happens to me too; it’s a normal thing.”

Paolo Simoncelli’s words show just how much Marco’s memory still lives on in Valentino Rossi’s life. The founder of SIC58 also recalled that, even when his son entered MotoGP and effectively became a rival of “The Doctor,” their mutual respect never wavered.

It was precisely during training sessions at the famous Cava motocross track that Marco experienced some of the most formative moments of his career, learning quickly from Rossi until he was competing for top positions and going head-to-head with “The Doctor” himself. These were intense challenges, fought with everything he had, which Paolo Simoncelli still considers among the most cherished memories of his son Marco’s life—a life cut short far too soon.