Thousands of fans lined up in the rain to pay final respects to MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli during a public viewing in his hometown's city theater.
Simoncelli died of chest, head and neck injuries Sunday in the Malaysian Grand Prix.
He lost control of his Honda on the first lap and swerved across the track, straight into the path of American rider Colin Edwards and seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi of Italy.
Simoncelli's funeral is set for Thursday.
Behind Simoncelli's body were placed two motorcycles ? one that he won the 250cc championship with in 2008 and another that he rode this season.
Simoncelli, who was 24, was a rising star in the sport and with his trademark mop of curly hair was beloved by Italy's legions of motorcycle racing fans.
Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/aLA0Hm1wSSp/Fans+pay+respects+Simoncelli+public+viewing
Sete Gibernau Jurgen van den Goorbergh Sylvain Guintoli Noriyuki Haga
