Crash forces Malaysian GP cancellation

The Malaysian Moto GP has been cancelled after Italian Marco Simoncelli suffered what appeared a serious injury in a crash in Sepang.

The Gresini Honda rider lost control of his bike on the second lap and appeared to be hit by Colin Edwards and then Valentino Rossi as he slid across the track.

The 24-year-old’s helmet came off in the collision and he was taken to the medical centre.

Newly-crowned champion Casey Stoner admitted watching the accident made him worried for Simoncelli.

“As soon as I saw the footage it just makes you sick inside,” the Australian told BBC2.

“Whenever the helmet comes off that’s not a good sign.”

Tony Elias, Moto2 world champion, was praying the injuries to Simoncelli were not serious.

“We just hope Marco is ok – that’s my wish,” he said.