Doriano Romboni Killed in Simoncelli Memorial Benefit Race

Retired Grand Prix racer Doriano Romboni suffered fatal injuries in a crash during practice for benefit race in memory of Marco Simoncelli.

Romboni, 44, reportedly lost control during the second practice session at the second-annual Sic Supermoto Day, running into the grass before swerving back onto the track and into the path of Gianluca Vizziello. Romboni was air-lifted to Santa Maria Goretti hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The accident was tragically reminiscent of the crash that claimed the life of Simoncelli at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia.

A number of notable racers were taking part in Sic Supermoto day including Max Biaggi, Andrea Dovizioso, Ben Bostrom and Troy Corser.

Romboni raced in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc Grand Prix World Championships from 1989-1998, accumulating six wins and 22 podiums in 101 races. His best season came in 1994, finishing fourth overall in the 250cc class with eight podium finishes including a victory at Laguna Seca. In 1999, Romboni moved over to the World Superbike Championship, racing parts of a few seasons.

“In Doriano we lost a valuable rider, a person of great worth and an esteemed technician, who was loved and appreciated by the motorcycle racing community,” says Paolo Sesti, president of the Italian Motorcycling Federation.

[Photo by Rikita]

By Dennis Chung