Sepang, Malaysia: The Malaysian MotoGP has been called off after one lap today after Italian Marco Simoncelli was seriously injured in an accident involving Valentino Rossi of Italy and American Colin Edwards.

Simoncelli lost control of his Honda at turn 11, but his bike regained partial grip and pulled him back across the track, straight into the path of Edwards and Rossi.

Helmet ripped off

Simoncelli’s helmet was ripped off in the incident and he was motionless on the track after the collision. He had been fourth at the end of lap one.

Edwards also fell but escaped serious injury, while Rossi was able to return to the pits.

The race was red-flagged and organizers announced later it would be canceled to focus on treating Simoncelli.