MotoGP team boss Fausto Gresini 'making progress, long path ahead'

MotoGP team boss Fausto Gresini is continuing to make slow progress in his recovery from Covid-related respiratory problems.

Gresini has now spent more than a month in the intensive care ward of a Bologna hospital, where he was initially placed in a pharmaceutical coma and, more recently, had to overcome a fever.

The Italian continues to require a ventilator to support his blood oxygen levels, but the 60-year-old is actively working to improve his breathing while also able to make video calls.

“Fausto's clinical condition slowly continues to improve," said the latest statement from Dr Nicola Cilloni. "For more than a week now without fever, rehabilitation is making progress every day, even if the path ahead is still long.

"He is still helped by the breathing machine, but he is also working on it, trying to recover the strength to do it alone. He manages to make video calls and to be seen by [wife] Nadia.

"The next steps will be the functional recovery of breathing and nutrition”.

Gresini, a double (125cc) world champion as a rider and a triple world champion as a team owner, was first admitted to hospital in Imola on December 27 before being transferred to the specialist ward in Bologna on December 30.

The team has set-up the hashtag #GETWELLSOONFAUSTO for those wishing to send best wishes to the Italian.