Gresini MotoGP ‘s position, Fausto Gresini, has been shown to be “getting a little better” in hospital after being placed in a coma with psychosis due to COVID-19
The former MotoGP team leader was admitted to hospital on December 27 in Imola, Italy, after testing positive for COVID-19 just before Christmas.
He was later transferred to a hospital in Bologna to a specialist COVID ward as his condition worsened, with Gresini ‘s team confirming that he was placed in a coma due to low blood oxygen absorption levels.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the team says Gresini’s condition has grown enough to the point that doctors are beginning a “slow waking process”.
“Fausto Gresini’s conditions – which were taken to Carlo Alberto Pizzardi’s hospital in Bologna on December 30 – are slightly better,” the statement read.
“After arriving at the hospital (Dr. Cilloni’s Intensive Care Department) with very low blood oxygen absorption levels, Racing Team Principal Gresini was admitted to a pharmaceutical coma and underwent endotracheal intubation to aid organ oxidation.
“In the next few hours, in a stable condition and improving general condition, the doctors decided to start a slow waking process to allow independent lung ventilation.
“Additional updates will come.”
COVID-19 has delayed the MotoGP 2020 season from their March to July launch date, with the implementation of a new 14-round European-based calendar.
MotoGP implemented strict protocols within the paddle to prevent the spread of the virus, although several high-profile names were still capturing COVID-19 away from circuits.
New Pramac MotoGP rider Jorge Martin had to miss Misano Moto2’s double-head after becoming the first rider to catch the virus, with nine-time grand prix world champion Valentino Rossi ruling his out of Aragon tours after a positive test.
Tech3 rider Iker Lecuona missed the final round of 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19, which came after a two-race layoff when his brother tested positive for the virus.
Gresini’s team will remain as the official entrant of the Aprilia factory in 2021, but announced in December that it would be an independent outfit again from 2022 – after its last race as a satellite squad in 2014 with a Honda machine .
As a result, Aprilia is going to be a proper factory team from 2022.