Fausto Gresini 'sedated but conscious', pneumonia still present

Fausto Gresini remains on a mechanical ventilator in the intensive care unit of a Bologna hospital as he battles 'severe respiratory insufficiency' caused by Covid 19.

The MotoGP team owner - first admitted to hospital in Imola on December 27, before being moved to a specialist Covid ward in Bologna on December 30 - is no longer in a pharmacological coma and, while sedated, is 'quite conscious'.

But 'interstitial pneumonia' is still present and the 59-year-old Italian continues to require the mechanical ventilator in order to generate the required amount of oxygen in his blood.

“Fausto Gresini's general health conditions are still characterised by severe respiratory insufficiency," said Dr Nicola Cilloni of the Alberto Pizzardi Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in Bologna.

"Tests performed revealed that interstitial pneumonia is still present and requires mechanical ventilation and moderate sedation to be maintained. This allows to keep the amount of oxygen in the blood sufficient."

Gresini, a double world champion as a rider and then three more times as a team boss, currently oversees entries in all three motorcycle grand prix classes as well as the MotoE World Cup.

His MotoGP team recently became the first Independent outfit to confirm its place on the 2022 grid, courtesy of a new five-year deal with IRTA, when the team will also end its role as Aprilia's factory team and return to satellite status using to-be-announced machinery.