• Team created by the late Marco Simoncelli’s father, Paolo

• Two riders; Tatsuki Suzuki and Tony Arbolino

  

The SIC58 Squadra Corse will finally make their official appearance on the world stage by joining the Moto3 category for the 2017 season. The squad debut their livery design last week at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

The team has chosen two riders to pilot Honda Moto3 machineries for the team, Tatsuki Suzuki and Tony Arbolino. The team has been active in the CIV and CEV championships for a while now with the backing and support from San Carlo and Gresini.

Paolo Simoncelli decided to pay tribute to his beloved son, Marco Simoncelli, who sadly passed away in 2011 during the Malaysian MotoGP race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). Marco lost control of his bike and collided with Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. Paolo created the SIC58 Squadra Corse team with the intention to help other young and talented riders to achieve their dreams in the racing scene.

On 3 February 2014, it was announced that Simoncelli would be inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame and become the 21st MotoGP Legend. The ceremony took place at the Italian round in Mugello. On 8 September 2016, Simoncelli’s racing number 58 was retired from all classes of Grand Prix racing competition. It is the third number to be retired from all classes of Grand Prix racing competition.

Marco Simoncelli was a star on a rise. His best finish in MotoGP was second in the Australian Grand Prix in Phillip Island, finishing just two seconds behind race winner, Casey Stoner. The Australian GP was his greatest achievement to date but sadly, the race after that was his last.

For the SIC58 Squadra Corse Moto3 team, it will be a great addition to the lineup and we wish all the best to them. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.

Image sources: SIC58 Squadra Corse & MotoGP