Rossi pays tribute to 'brother' Simoncelli

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi saluted his close friend Marco Simoncelli, who died in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, describing his fellow Italian as a "younger brother." (Related: Pictures of the accident)

Simoncelli, 24, lost his life after coming off his bike in a crash involving Colin Edwards and Rossi himself just minutes after the start of the race at the Sepang track.

Rossi, 32, and Simoncelli were known to be close and the Italian icon took to Twitter to express his sorrow at the death of his friend, who he referred to using Simoncelli's popular nickname, Sic.

"For me Sic was like a younger brother, as tough on the track as he was gentle in life," said Rossi. "I still can't believe it, I miss him so much."

Rossi was reported to have been in tears after the race when he heard the news.

Meanwhile, all sports events taking place in Italy on Sunday observed a minute's silence in honour of Simoncelli.

"Today is one of the saddest days of my presidency. The tragic death of Marco Simoncelli has left me profoundly upset and devastated," said Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) president Gianni Petrucci.

"Life is sacred and one can't die at 24 for a race. Today we're all in tears for him and we gather around his family who are crying over the death of a champion.

"It's an inconceivable death that has left the whole of Italian sport dumbfounded."

Italian football giants Inter and AC Milan were amongst the first clubs to offer their sympathies.

"AC Milan offers an embrace to the family of Marco, a huge rossonero fan, and we want to offer the most sincere and heartfelt condolences in this sad moment," said a Milan statement on their website.

Inter added: "The president Massimo Moratti and everyone at Inter Milan, together with (coach) Claudio Ranieri and the team, shares in the pain of the Italian sports world and indeed the sports world for the loss of the rider Marco Simoncelli.

"Remembering a young and passionate champion Inter offers a hug to the family and friends of Marco Simoncelli."

Inter fans unveiled a banner ahead of their match against Chievo that read: "There's a new star (in the sky)."

MotoGp team Ducati described Simoncelli as one of their own.

"Ducati, it's team and it's riders are united in the pain which today has hit the whole of MotoGP and we gather around Marco Simoncelli's family, friends and team," they said.

"We will always remember Marco for his smile, his availability, his big heart and the emotions he gave us these last few years. He was one of us."

There were also words from Ferrari Formula One team principal Stefano Domenicali.

"In these moments it's difficult to express with words the pain for the death of a lad as sunny as Marco," he said.

"Events like this and the equally tragic accident eight days ago that saw Dan Wheldon die in the Indy Car race in Las Vegas reminds us that all racers in motorsport are exposed to risk.

"We must never lower our guard but must always be aware that you can do nothing against death."

The messages came pouring in from all over Italy for the man known here as Sic.

Juventus centre-bsck Giorgio Chiellini said on his Twitter page: "I'm without words, goodbye great Sic, we'll miss you."

Top Italian basketball stars also expressed their sentiments ragarding Simoncelli's death.

"I'm speechless, it's an infinite sadness," said Toronto Raptors NBA star Andrea Bargnani, again on Twitter.

Danilo Gallinari, who currently plays for Milan but is also under contract with the Denver Nuggets and expected to return there when the NBA lock-out ends, used the same medium to express his feelings.

"Sic, one of us. These things should never happen. When my mother wrote me the message this morning I couldn't believe it," he said.