Bushiee46
26-03-2007, 16:54
Roberto Locatelli remains in a coma following his horrifying crash in the final free practice session for the 250cc world championship race at Jerez in Spain.
The 32-year-old Italian broke almost every bone in his face as well as suffering a broken collarbone, punctured lung and broken ankle in the 95 mph crash at the Nieto corner when his Gilera left the track during the morning session.
He was removed to hospital immediately and operated on overnight, where doctors are optimistic that he will make a recovery.
A statement issued by the Cadiz hospital where Locatelli is being treated said: “Roberto is still in the reanimation division of the hospital in Cadiz, where yesterday night he underwent the first operation concerning the fracture-dislocation of his left ankle.
“The surgical operation has been completely successful and the doctors have reassembled the shinbone which was very damaged from the impact against the protection barriers.
“About his facial fractures, they will probably be reduced when he comes back to Italy, maybe in the next few days. Tomorrow we hope to exclude the possibility of brain damage. At the moment ‘Loca' is still kept in medical coma.”
Gilera continue to be mystified about the cause of the crash, with the rider's failure to brake, accelerate or turn the bike as he approached the Nieto corner adding weight to suspicions that he may have blacked momentarily.
Moto GP's medical delegate Dr Costa remains hopeful that Locatelli, the 2000 125cc world champion, will make a full recovery in time to race at Mugello in June.
The 32-year-old Italian broke almost every bone in his face as well as suffering a broken collarbone, punctured lung and broken ankle in the 95 mph crash at the Nieto corner when his Gilera left the track during the morning session.
He was removed to hospital immediately and operated on overnight, where doctors are optimistic that he will make a recovery.
A statement issued by the Cadiz hospital where Locatelli is being treated said: “Roberto is still in the reanimation division of the hospital in Cadiz, where yesterday night he underwent the first operation concerning the fracture-dislocation of his left ankle.
“The surgical operation has been completely successful and the doctors have reassembled the shinbone which was very damaged from the impact against the protection barriers.
“About his facial fractures, they will probably be reduced when he comes back to Italy, maybe in the next few days. Tomorrow we hope to exclude the possibility of brain damage. At the moment ‘Loca' is still kept in medical coma.”
Gilera continue to be mystified about the cause of the crash, with the rider's failure to brake, accelerate or turn the bike as he approached the Nieto corner adding weight to suspicions that he may have blacked momentarily.
Moto GP's medical delegate Dr Costa remains hopeful that Locatelli, the 2000 125cc world champion, will make a full recovery in time to race at Mugello in June.