Moto2: 'Gutted' Scott Redding ready to race on
Scott Redding has spoken publically for the first time about the huge Misano accident that tragically claimed the life of Shoya Tomizawa on Sunday.
Tomizawa fell from fourth place on lap twelve of the San Marino Grand Prix, after running wide on the exit of a fast corner leading onto the back straight.
The 19-year-old was in the middle of the leading pack of riders and, after falling, was almost instantly hit by de Angelis and then Redding. Tomizawa, winner of the first ever Moto2 grand prix at the start of this year, later died in hospital from his injuries.
Although de Angelis miraculously walked away, Redding required medical treatment after being thrown through the air and knocked unconscious.
The 17-year-old, who had qualified in second position for the race, recovered consciousness as marshals arrived on the scene and was quickly carried from the track - some might say too quickly - and then transported to the medical centre by ambulance.
After a thorough examination, Redding received twelve stitches to close a laceration in his lower back and was then released from the medical centre. The Briton has no recollection of the accident.
"I was gutted when I found out the news about Tomi and it still hasn't really sunk in yet," said Redding. "He was a really good guy and will definitely be missed in the paddock and on the track. My thoughts are with his family, friends and team, who all suffered a huge loss at the weekend.
"I don't remember anything about the crash; one minute I was on the gas as normal and the rest is just a blank. I haven't seen the crash on television, and I don't want to, but I do know that I was very lucky to escape serious injury.
"The wound to my back is already improving, and I'm determined to get back on the bike as soon as possible."
Redding will now give the wound on his lower back time to close, before heading to a one-day test at Valencia on Monday, ahead of the next Moto2 round, which takes place at the Aragon circuit from 17-19 September.
"We have a one-day test at Valencia next week, which will give me a chance to check everything is okay with my back, before heading to Aragon for the next race," concluded the Gloucestershire teenager, who took his first Moto2 podium at the previous Indianapolis round.
Hector Faubel echoed his Marc VDS team-mate's sentiments about the tragic loss of Tomizawa.
"I rode some days together with Shoya when he arrived in the World Championship with Honda," said Faubel. "He was the most funny guy in the paddock. It didn't matter to him if you beat him in the last race or not, he still had time for you. He congratulated you if you won or even just had a good practice session.
"I last saw Shoya at the Clinca Mobile on Saturday evening in Misano, when he greeted me with; 'Faubel, good job in Indy. You were very strong and I'm happy for you.' That's the type of person he was.
"My thoughts are also with Scott, who I'm sure will bounce back from this tragic weekend. It will be difficult, sure, but I'm certain he can do it. I look forward to seeing him on the bike again at Valencia during the test and back at the front of the pack in Aragon."
