Fans Pay Respects to Simoncelli in Public Viewing

Thousands of fans are lining up in the rain to pay their final respects to MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli during a public viewing in the city theater of his hometown.

Simoncelli died of chest, head and neck injuries after he lost control of his Honda during Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix 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 planned 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.