Valentino Rossi: Marco Simoncelli's deadly crash and VR46

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi remembers the devastating, deadly crash of his friend Marco Simoncelli. Ten years later, Rossi - who had taken Simoncelli under his wing - explains how the late racer was the inspiration for what would become the VR46 Academy.
For more information about the VR46 Academy - www.vr46.com/en/vr46-riders-a....
IN ITALIANO: La leggenda della MotoGP Valentino Rossi ricorda l’incidente mortale dell’amico Marco Simoncelli. Dieci anni dopo, Rossi - che aveva preso Simoncelli sotto la sua ala - spiega come il compianto pilota sia stato l'ispirazione per quella che sarebbe diventata la VR46 Academy.
Per maggiori informazioni sulla VR46 Academy - www.vr46.com/en/vr46-riders-a....
#ValentinoRossi #MarcoSimoncelli #VR46
Become a member to watch full episodes and get exclusive access to content: bit.ly/3q4TjAb
Subscribe to watch the latest interviews: bit.ly/1R1Fd6w
Episode debuted nationwide in 2022.
For episode guide and nationwide television listings, visit www.grahambensinger.com
Connect with Graham:
Facebook: / grahambensinger
Twitter: / grahambensinger
Instagram: / grahambensinger

[@GrahamBensinger]

Watch the full interview with Valentino Rossi here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGq9n3WfqrSHY7M

[@powdergangster83]

You can see the sadness and despair in his eyes when talking about Simoncelli. Such a tragedy, but a very amazing academy development that came out of this tragedy with Franco as well.

[@chrisbee9643]

He was the one, who hit his own friend in the head with his bike... I think this will stick to him until he is reunited with Marco. I even could imagine, that he feels some kind of guilt for it... Which is complete non sense, but you never know, how a human deals with something like this! Marco is really missing!!! Marco wouldnt let 2015 happen, if he was around back then! With Marco in the paddock, Vale would have won 2015 and Marco would be multiple World Champion with Ducati by now!

[@user-gl4hp7zs2e]

They both are Italian brothers it was very sad to watch that incident 😢

[@gcm747]

Watched Marco’s crash live. Was absolutely gut wrenching.

[@smcd7779]

Wow you were there? That must of been bad to see man

[@bennyb.1742]

Me too. I was seated right there. I knew right away. Vale just rode straight into his garage and shut the door. When they cancelled the race, not very many people knew and it nearly became a riot. Bad scene.

[@VR46314]

I was young watching it , I’ve watched Rossi from age 3 with my dad to 23

[@jacobchua7374]

I was there too with my wife. Never go back there again after that.

[@LennardHartman]

MotoGP has never been the same. This was such a defining moment

[@daithimurphy1832]

Poor Vale can only imagine the pain he felt that day and ever since. Big of him to be so open in this Interview

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

Marco was such a larger than life character. He had amazing potential as a MotoGP star. Were he still here, I'm sure he would have given Marc Marquez all sorts of hell year after year. I got to see him race 4 times (twice in 250cc and twice in MotoGP), and it was so cool to see a bigger guy like him take such aggressive lines that other riders weren't using. His crash was such an awful moment for the sport. I'm so sorry for Valentino and Colin, that they were involved in such a freaky one-in-a-million accident like that.

[@robertlund5694]

It was worse for Colin because he crashed and was left injured on the floor near marco , he blamed himself for the accident!

[@Thomas-qn4hj]

@@robertlund5694 Colin never blamed himself, he understood nothing could have changed what happened. Marco was learning to save front end slides, and on this occasion you see the front try to grip again but Marco didn't know how to get it back to vertical, so the bike whips around into the racing line with Marco still hanging on, nothing Colin or Rossi could do (at this point on the track they are traveling close to 100mph). Colin even makes note that when someone lowsides in front of you they continue to go in a direction away from the racing line, this was one of the first if not the first time a lowside crash came back onto the racing line with the rider still on the bike. And yes I also think Marco would have made racing life much more difficult for Marquez, could have/would have been an interesting rivalry.

[@Thomas-qn4hj]

Rossi also involved in the freaky one-in-a-trillion near miss of a bike taking your head off, on the same day that one-in-a-trillion near miss happened to Maverick Viñuales. MotoGP is dangerous, these guys just make riding motorcycles at the highest speeds around racetracks look easy, it is not.

[@robertlund5694]

@@Thomas-qn4hj how do you know ?! Lol. Save your cut and paste waffle because I won't be reading it.

[@Thomas-qn4hj]

@@robertlund5694 Because I watch MotoGP, I also watched the interview with Colin when he spoke about that incident. Glad you won't be reading this.

[@Desmo904]

Such a tragedy when Marco was killed. He was such a character and a genuinely nice guy with a massive talent and a refreshing approach to the sport. Sadly missed. RIP

[@geraldleuven169]

He wasn't killed it was an accident.

[@MrGutfeeling]

@@geraldleuven169 FFS. He was killed, in an accident.

[@geraldleuven169]

Accidents don't kill, they happen.

[@F110mech]

@@geraldleuven169 You sure about that? If you're going to troll and argue over petty subpoints, at least be correct lol verb past tense: killed; past participle: killed 1. cause the death of (a person, animal, or other living thing). *her father was killed in a car crash*

[@andrewthomas8370]

Great interviews, you can see why vale is such a legend, apart from the unbelievable riding record with all the great battles on track and the championships, such a down to earth honest bloke who stays loyal to his best mates!

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I can't think of a better sportsman on Earth. It doesn't matter what sport you like, tennis, cricket, football, rugby... the list goes on. Vale sets the bar for the rest to match. Dignity and respect are his hallmarks.

[@efilrekib4446]

@@davidbrayshaw3529 👈😂

[@KyleMicena]

Wow this is incredible you got to interview the greatest motorsports athletes ever.

[@Rubded]

I know!!!! I love Vale so much. He is the only person other than a family member I can say that about.

[@ricardagottschalk9089]

I like Valentino to but the Greatest in that Sport was Giacomo Agostini😊😎

[@brucekilby9957]

Agostini and Rossi are Different riders in Different times. Both were Brilliant,but different style of riders from Eras. But both Greats. Agostini rode in Australia in Sydney in 68. Ahead of his time in many things. Rossi won one of titles at Phillip island and his Celebration was crazy,dancing with the No46 crew,he almost forgot to ride the Bike back to the pits. Brilliant.🇮🇹via Rossi e Agostini🇮🇹🛵

[@djxponent2018]

You are joking right? He couldn’t even transition his talents to Ducati. He only rode with them for one year and had to jump ship

[@stepparentingmadeeasy]

He is the goat but the most successful is for sure Toni Bou who, on a bike, has won THIRTY CONSECUTIVE world titles. Toni is a legend.

[@skts2610]

Interviewing the GOAT, what an absolute honour and privilege for you. I’ve been a fan of Vale since day one in 125 GP’s, he’s a God as far as I’m concerned🙏🏽

[@Temp1324]

I couldn't agree more

[@verdeboyo]

Very sad about SIC58 on that day. In 2022 Vale is loved by his supporters and I am proud to say I am one of them.

[@davidandras7362]

Such a down-to-earth guy... This the reason why we love Vale!!! Legend 🙂

[@RobertPowers]

This next phase will be very good. You have never let us down, Vale. Thanks for your enthusiasm.

[@cantrait7311]

That was a tough day I’ll never forget Simoncelli. What a great character

[@Spacemantubu14]

I was 14 when I saw the crash live, it was horrible. Rossi had nowhere to go RIP Marco

[@benaubrey2350]

I was nearly 10 and was gutted

[@robertgibson4494]

Nicky Haden had no where to go. Not Rossi.

[@djmerchant]

@@robertgibson4494 What did Nicky have to do with it? Colin Edwards is the one that ran over Marco. Do all Americans just look the same to you???

[@Pats4lyfe]

@@djmerchant Rossi hit Marco in the head with the front tire.

[@robertlund5694]

@@robertgibson4494 nicky is hating you from beyond the grave for that - colin got on his goddammed nerves!

[@stephencatsoulis8960]

Sadly you can tell he's still not ever what happened that day. But what incredible work he's doing with the academy. Rip Marco

[@michaelharris4651]

I watched that race and can’t believe it was ten years ago and I somehow had a bad feeling about that race before it even started , how sad 😞 Rip Marco

[@honestjohn1129]

What a guy. Got to love him.

[@maxfish4770]

His influence on moto gp will last for many more decades, he is the GOAT.

[@joshmiller7777]

That's so incredible to able to interview Vale, congratulations!!

[@ringmasterjeb3453]

The VR Academy is the "Field of Dreams" for any sport bike rider. Wish I was worthy!

[@iantobanter9543]

Rossi was never the same after Marco. Great how he gives something back.

[@RickyJr46]

For any racing fan visiting Tavullia, the Simoncelli museum in nearby Coriano, La Storia Del Sic, is a must-see. Behind the museum on a grassy hill is a stainless steel monument to Sic named Ogni Domenica. Every Sunday afternoon at dusk, this creation roars to life with a six foot jet of flame. This lasts precisely 58 seconds, and then silence returns until the next Sunday. It's a stunning experience.

[@JamchesterBoozle]

Wow i didn't know that! What a perfect tribute to a charismatic special person..

[@One-way]

WOW THANKS for sharing !!!!

[@bartiger245]

this is a daily tribute.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Opn2eNmN59iK8

[@johnirvine3346]

This series with Rossi is just about perfect. Everything I want to know about Rossi is being asked. Great work.

[@cavscout62]

Val is not just the Greatest Racer of all time but also a very smart Business Man. I’m so happy he’s retired as I was very concerned that he would crash and get seriously injured or killed in the twilight of his career.

[@0razi0]

I remember my dad telling me that morning marco was gone. Was a tragic day. RIP super sic

[@cmmhelmond]

VR never recovered from the crash with MS, which can only be expected.. to lose such a close friend must have been devastating for VR … Glad he has retired now, now he will move on to other challenges that will still benefit the sport and many racers …

[@robertlund5694]

Ms ? No- one says that for obvious reasons!

[@cmmhelmond]

@@robertlund5694 ?? Sorry not obvious to me .. what is your point ? Thanks

[@KN-lq4zv]

Graham, great interview. The worlds greatest athlete !

[@BANE81support]

I remember watching the crash live with my mother. Bloody awful. It was a very sad day indeed for the whole biker community and the sport in general. I was a youngster but remember it vividly

[@peckos1985]

When Vale talks about Marco's death his eyes lost the "light"

[@davidca96]

Rossi is a magician on a motorcycle. Marco's crash was extremely sad.

[@MrTrackday101]

Everyone talks how sad VR is about him, but nobody asked how Colin Edward's feels.

[@stepparentingmadeeasy]

Valentino Rossi is a very transparent human being.

[@155spy]

Awesome Interview … Mucho Respect from South Africa Vale 👊🏻

[@samuelbrown1413]

To this day, I still remember that crash and just how bad it was. More so how it devastated not only the MotoGP Community, But the World. Watching on Live TV and the moment it happened, the stopping of the Race, Edwards, Rossi and everyone just holding their breath. Simoncelli, he is not gone nor forgotten... He IS at all the races, Watching, rooting on everyone!

[@adlibbed2138]

and rain poured in my town just when the race was cancelled in Malaysia on that day

[@UltramanMebiusBrave]

I watched the crash on TV, too. It was shocking.

[@Catch_me_if_you_can_666]

Mark Marquez and other future riders might get more World Championship titles than Valentino...but they will never be as legendary as him.To most of us Moto GP fans, VR will always be the greatest.

[@efilrekib4446]

No ..... to most of you Rossi fans maybe, but the rest of us are racing fans & the racing will always be the greatest.

[@fresco-boyz8429]

Never forget that day! He had been a such superstar for Italy.

[@martinkolar5716]

always after i hear Valentino talk, i read like hes talking, i love this italian acccent. :D

[@mahavakyas002]

excellent interview. Graham is an absolute professional. Great job mate.

[@KyleMicena]

Looking forward to more Rossi videos

[@Piridajac]

I miss this Legend on the track God bless you Vale…..

[@gabrielrivera8222]

Rossi the goat. That “Allora” on every sentence is gold.

[@nickp8589]

Miss you GOAT, looking forward to seeing you back as a team owner for VR46. Still remembering Supersic58 in our hearts ❤

[@Votedjt2024]

Valentino rossi and marco simoncelli bff

[@minisla]

Shed a tear when I think about that day. Every time I see Vale...It must be very difficult psychologically...

[@wayneholford9796]

Saw it. Still can’t forget it or unsee it.

[@metas6755]

This dude has the potential to achieve many great things

[@dottorg7721]

Thanks to Valentino you gain a new subscriber 😉👏👏👏

[@chrisbee9643]

On one thing every MotoGP fan can agree on: WE ARE MISSING SUPERSIC A LOT!!! RIDE IN HEAVEN MARCO!

[@driver46]

Absolutely best ryder ever ❤ I am using his number 46 with all the pride . Forza Valle

[@ronbonora7872]

I watched that race where Marco lost his life. It was one of the saddest days for everyone, be they riders and fans. Valentino is a legend and has a great character!

[@peterh225]

He should go for President of Italy👏 Omg what an Icon🙃

[@robertlund5694]

To honest

[@efilrekib4446]

Not after all the Tax Evasion.....

[@ade-1772]

Rip Marco and vr 46 the love he has for bike and the rider looking after them total respect vr and glad you signed my girlfriends hat out of your camper back in 2001 at Donington Park In the UK

[@richguest]

Valentino Rossi - absolute top bloke.

[@andreimiroiu7147]

I just went to the Marco Simoncelli circuit in Misano, I saw the Nicky Hayden memorial and saw Vale win the car race. definitely a memorable day

[@stalkerbuts4193]

Wow that’s the first time I’ve heard Rossi actually say he was part of the crash ... he might of elsewhere but for me it’s the first time ... when you watch the replay it’s clear as day it’s his front tyre that collects simos head (obviously not on purpose) but Rossi would have felt the crunch ... that must haunt him it he is human or he has competely shut it out ... anyway he is and always will be a legend for me and my mates

[@scruffy01100000]

I remember the crash and exactly where I was sitting and my wife was in the house and she heard me just start crying "Marco". I don't know how he kept racing after being involved in that crash. He's the GOAT and Marco looked to be on his way to a WC in the next year or two.

[@AVTheLimit]

I think Pecco Bagnaia is going to win it for the Academy this year

[@toms5oh]

I still tear up to this day thinking about it, SIC 4 LIFE!

[@allanhughes7859]

Must be great to have God sat next to you !!You are a very very very lucky chap.. Many folk would give their right arm to do such a thing !!!! R.I.P. Marco sad sad loss !! and at such a young age but we all must do what we must do and if that was his life then whilst sad its also good to have done what he wanted !! Our thoughts go out to his family God Bless !!

[@aoduyphuc2454]

I love VR 46 and academy VR 46

[@fercabrera7274]

VALENTINO: GREAT HUMAN BEING.

[@user-ez9gu6en8y]

the best

[@yuma_lead]

If simoncelli still alive, he winning 2 motogp title at least

[@ahmedjartu1131]

My passion for GP drops a bit because Val is not racing, but happy to see his brand and legacy prevail

[@TumzDK]

#GrazieVale !!! #VR46FanForever

[@reck1224]

Rossi is an interesting guy. I like how they just let him swear. Legends don’t get told to shut up. Lmao.

[@billbelcher3214]

Thank you Graham. You asked questions that no one has asked before. Is there a longer interview?

[@evelia1156]

Yes there’s other clips of this interview. This is only a snippet

[@jenggonomad6965]

We all need friend like Rossi..

[@flstffatboy3910]

Class act all the way

[@iblacka1]

Rossi is such a lovely bloke!!

[@toddventura7191]

Great interviews man. You should do something with Mika Hakkinen - that would be a great show.

[@thomassawicki2065]

1:10 You see the pain in Valentino.

[@pacmanglutton]

2:52 and now... one of his student already achieving that (Pecco). How proud of him that dreams come true

[@BanjoLuke1]

I do like the way this guy gets people to talk..... And I can listen to Rossi (even in English) all day long. Odd that Bensinger refers to Simoncelli as Marcos.... But a good interview nonetheless.

[@robertlund5694]

That's who they do in original Latin based languages!

[@dk_noobmaster46]

holy, i didn't expected VR46 got stonks that big after 2015 thing 😂

[@TheCaptainmojo1973]

There’s nothing more thrilling, except maybe active air combat, than motorcycle racing. So dangerous but so much fun if you’re an adrenaline and speed junkie.

[@jmluc90]

I remember watching when Marco was killed. It was one of those surreal moments that you just can't believe what you're seeing is real.

[@mmm4638]

Marcos incident made me sick for months. It was hard to bounce back

[@alesjezek9755]

Super,Labombastic,Fantastic, Školastic!!!👍👏🤘👐🤝👌😍🏍️💓😇🙏🐬🌞🌛⚓💯🎸👀🫀🧠

[@martinnaylor]

Ten years ago.😲😲

[@rabmc]

I remember that season well, Simonchelli was a bit reckless in my opinion in a few races prior to this. So sad what happened it was like watching a movie.

[@robertlund5694]

If you want to get political and try to sound like another rider he battled with and got the better of yeah. I see it as steely determination!

[@rabmc]

@@robertlund5694 Political? He was going to end up seriously injuring someone I think was what was levelled against him, I don’t want to be disrespectful to the dead but this happened, multiple riders talked out against him.

[@efilrekib4446]

@@rabmc Spot on..... Marco was a gutsy racer but he tended to be reckless, all the talk on this thread about Marco potential multiple champion & showing Marquez how to ride a bike is just drivel from the Rossi Cult.

[@REPSOLHONDARR]

I REMEMBER watching that race live when it happened also Lorenzo was mad at him last week because Simoncilli almost crashed to him I cried when died

[@nandagilmour6568]

i miss marco #58 🙏

[@AlesJezek-xw7po]

😭

[@writenamehere0000]

BIG ROSSI, GRANDE ROSSI !

[@theneck5157]

He is the best to ever throw a leg over a super bike .. I know I’m Europe countries are loyal to there own riders but in America we see it a bit differently just like with soccer your football .. I know people hate 46 and love Marquez through loyalty but I don’t care where your from you have to respect the old man

[@efilrekib4446]

Eh? ......... Give the drugs a rest.

[@awannagannaful]

0:22 "Marcos" Simoncelli... clearly did his homework LOL

[@bremCZ]

Yeah, I caught that too. Great respect.

[@robertlund5694]

@@bremCZ they say that in spanish and Italian- it's affectionate.

[@axelmoya5491]

Super Sic58 forever!

[@T_m_m170]

Young people want to dissipate their overflowing energy for something. For example, racers, singers, artists, boxing, marathons, love, etc. Humans are such creatures.

[@robertlund5694]

Very deep and yes.

[@brandonmccomas5363]

Damn in the states I remember seeing this guy's hair on ESPN all the time it seemed and then he vanished. Recently gotten into motogp and here I am finding out why. Tragic honestly 😢

[@ridzwanhassan5551]

Great move Rossi…..go go VR46

[@LordStanley94]

The Doctor is The GOAT. What a fantastic rider.

[@DavidDavid-ip1xf]

He could run for president of Italy and he would win the Italians would vote for him

[@publicfighter4017]

Fact is that Rossis front wheel hit directly on Marcos head the impact was so hard and heavy that victtim lost his helmet. On other hand Collin was already hit on victims back. A curse Rossi never win a championship again

[@midin1432]

I have no idea this legend curse so much. I fucking RELATE

[@iantobanter9543]

MGP not the same anymore- we miss the Biaggi Gibernau years.

[@carlosoruna7174]

Valentino struggling with de ingles but Valentino's emotions are right

[@quitsevensix]

Why censor what Vale says

[@BUNKERJR53]

"46" !! The Greatest of all time............What more can I say?

[@MarkSmith-hq4rr]

I think Franco Morbidelli and Pecco Bagnaia are both different younger versions of Valentino.