Fausto Gresini has come a long way. The boss of the Gresini Racing team was hospitalised on Boxing day at the Santa Maria della Scaletta hospital in Imola after tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before the 2020 Christmas holidays.
His condition required a transfer to the Maggiore Carlo Alberto Pizzardi hospital in Bologna, to integrate a more specialised service for the care of this disease, on December 30.
According to Gresini Racing team, Gresini put into a coma and underwent endotracheal intubation to help oxygenate the organs.
“Minor but both consistent and comforting news on the state of health of Fausto Gresini, who has been hospitalised for over two weeks at the Maggiore Carlo Alberto Pizzardi hospital in Bologna.” Gresini Racing said in a statement.
“The team principal of Gresini Racing, now fully conscious and aware, was able to take part to his daughter’s birthday via video call yesterday, while today he received a visit from his wife for the first time since 27 December.” Gresini Racing added.
The former 125cc double champion is the latest high-profile figure from the MotoGP paddock to have been infected by COVID-19, though has been affected the hardest by it.
Italian rider Valentino Rossi confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19 in October. As a result, the former Monster Energy Yamaha rider missed the Aragon Grand Prix in Spain.
“Fausto Gresini’s general clinical conditions, albeit still fragile, are improving.” an update from doctor Nicola Ciloni.
“He is awake and very cooperative; he is still aided by the breathing machine but has begun with physiotherapy already.
“Today’s visit by his wife Nadia, whom he welcomed with great emotion, has surely strengthened his already well-known great determination.” he added.
MotoGP has released a provisional 2021 calendar with the Qatar season opener set for 28th March, later than usual.
