The team was formed by Paolo Simoncelli in 2013 after the death of his son, MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. The team name Sic58 Squadra Corse (English: "Sic58 Racing Team") is a reference to Marco's nickname "Super Sic" or simply "Sic" and his former racing number 58, which was retired from use in the MotoGP class following his death. The formation of the team was also supported by compatriot Fausto Gresini, who had been Simoncelli's team boss at the time of his death. The intention of the Sic58 team is to promote the careers of young Italian motorcycle racers.