Formula One pays tribute to killed racers

Oct 30, 2011, 12:42 GMT

New Delhi - Formula One drivers competing in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix on Sunday paid a tribute to two motorsport competitors killed in the last two weeks.

A minute of silence was observed before the Grand Prix for British IndyCar racer Dan Wheldon, who was killed on October 16 during a race in Las Vegas and Italian MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli, who died during the Malaysian Grand Prix a week later.

After the race world champion Sebastian Vettel, who won his 11th race of the season, said that he had very mixed emotions. 'I am very proud to be the first winner in India, but on the other hand, looking back at the last weekend, we lost two of our mates.

'I did not know Dan Wheldon, but obviously he was a big name in motorsport, but I got to know this year Marco Simocelli and obviously my thoughts are with them.'

The German said that even though they all knew what risks they were taking it was difficult to come to terms with such tragedies. 'We pray that every time nothing happens, but sometimes we get reminded and it is the last thing that we want to see.'

Race runner-up Jenson Button, said that he wanted to dedicate the first race in India to the two who were killed. 'It is a tough weekend for everybody in the sport.

'The last two weekends have been very, very difficult and we had two fatalities and it is very difficult, especially with Dan.

'I knew Dan from a very early age and he was always the guy you had to beat. It is a very, very sad day and I think we should dedicate this first Indian race to Dan and obviously to Marco, who was another super-talented youngster.

'He was the most amazing guy to watch on a bike so yes, I think we should dedicate this to them.'

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who finished third in the race, said that the last two weeks had been sad ones for the sport. 'I think we all raced for them (Wheldon and Simoncelli) and went ahead, but we all remember these two fantastic people.'