MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis injured in crash at Japanese Grand Prix practice

Medics and emergency crew attend to Alex de Angelis. Image Source: Fox Sports

MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis has been injured in a rather serious crash at the Japanese Grand Prix during practice. The 31-year old crashed his 2-wheeler at the Motegi circuit, during the final practice, reports FOX Sports.

The exact circumstances of the accident are unclear, but de Angelis appears to have lost control on Turn 9 of the circuit, causing him to crash onto the trackside barrier in the corner. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, while being helped by medical staff and emergency crew, de Angelis was reported to be conscious and breathing.

He was given first-aid by the medical team soon after, before being led away to the nearby Medical facility in an ambulance. From there, the rider was further air-lifted to Dokkyo hospital in the town of Mibu, for more treatment.

According to preliminary analysis, the impact of the crash led to lung contusion and revealed several rib-fractures. The IodaRacing Team's veteran rider will apparently stay in hospital till his recovery.

MotoGP medical director Michele Macchiagodena said Alex’s condition needed to be monitored closely. "There's a thoracic trauma with bilateral ribs fracture, on the left and the right", he said.

"However, what needs more attention is the fact he sustained a lung contusion - we'll have to monitor it closely to make sure it doesn't lead to restricted breathing or any kind of infection.”

"The early checks also report 5 fractured vertebrae, from which three seem to affect the body of the vertebrae - as of now there's no neurological damage but we'll have to make sure those fractures are stable so the medulla isn't affected. For now it needs to be observed closely in order to determine if surgery can be avoided", he said reporters.

The Sammarinese made his MotoGP debut in 1999, as a young 15-year old at World Championship level. He gradually rose on top and had his dream season in 2003 when he earned 6 podium finishes, despite not registering any wins. De Angelis currently races for the E-Motion IodaRacing and is ranked 25th in the Championships.