A Gilera 250 GP carrying Marco Simoncelli’s colours has appeared in a new post from Michael Dunlop, with photographs and video showing the Northern Irish rider alongside the motorcycle. Its caption, “Now for something special”, gives the post a clear sense of anticipation without confirming what comes next.

In a separate video, Dunlop can be seen starting the Gilera, which is fitted with slick tyres. The combination of a racing motorcycle and Simoncelli’s livery leaves open the possibility of a future ride or racing appearance, but the 36-time Isle of Man TT winner has not confirmed either plan.

The Simoncelli connection

The Metis Gilera 250 GP is closely tied to Simoncelli’s racing career. He raced the machine in the 250cc class from 2006 to 2009, then moved to MotoGP in 2010 with the San Carlo Honda Gresini team. The number 58 became a defining part of his racing identity.

Simoncelli lost his life in 2011 after the crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, when he fell into the path of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards and succumbed to his injuries. Before the accident, he was regarded as a potential future MotoGP world champion, giving any return of the motorcycle particular emotional weight.

Whether the Gilera eventually appears in competition or is simply ridden in a non-competitive setting, its presence could serve as a tribute to Simoncelli. The development also comes after Dunlop moved beyond his father’s total of 135 Irish road-racing wins, adding another distinctive chapter to a family history deeply rooted in racing.