Rome, Oct 26 (IANS/AKI): The body of Italy's Marco Simoncelli, who died following a crash during in Malaysian Moto Grand Prix in Sepang, has arrived in Rome.

The Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur arrived Tuesday at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Accompanying the body were Simoncelli's father Paolo, his girlfriend Kate and friend and former MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.

"Marco was great and will never be forgotten," Rossi said.

Rossi, 31, said Simoncelli, 24, was "like a younger brother to me".

Rossi dismissed rumors that he would retire from racing.

"I don't know who said this. It surely wasn't me. Maybe it's a news that sells more newspapers," he said.

Simoncelli Sunday suffered serious trauma to his head, neck and chest following an accident on lap two after losing control of his Honda. He was hit by countryman Rossi and American Colin Edwards.

Simoncelli held sixth place on this year?s tour entering the race at Sepang.