Over 1500 fans paid tribute to Marco Simoncelli during a special memorial ride at the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic last Sunday.

The Brno track was the scene of Simoncelli's first MotoGP podium back in August when he finished third behind Repsol Honda duo Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso.

The tribute began at 2pm – the same time as the start of the MotoGP race – with a minute's silence before the Italian national anthem was played. More than 1000 bikers then took part in a lap of honour for Simoncelli.

The 24-year-old Italian lost his life in a three-rider incident on the second lap of the Sepang MotoGP race in Malaysia on October 23.

He lost control of his San Carlo Gresini Honda RC212V at Turn 11 and was struck by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

His team boss Fausto Gresini confirmed yesterday that the team will race in this weekend's final round in Valencia as a tribute to the former 250GP world champion.