Czech fans pay tribute to Simoncelli

More than 1,500 Czech fans paid their respects to MotoGP star Marco Simoncelli during a commemorative event at the Brno circuit on Sunday.

Beginning at 14:00 (start time for MotoGP), the event began with a short speech at the podium where Simoncelli had celebrated his first ever MotoGP rostrum in August's Czech Republic Grand Prix (pictured).

A minute's silence was then held, followed by the Italian national anthem and an honorary lap of the Brno Circuit, which was attended by over 1,000 motorcycle riders.

"To be honest, we didn't expect such a large attendance," Pavel Carda, one of the organisers, said. "I would like to thank to the management of the Brno Circuit for permission to organise it and everybody who attended this event."