Gino Rea is communicating with his family and trying to talk, according to another positive update on his condition more than a week on from the horrific crash at Suzuka that left him in a coma.
Following a steady stream of incrementally positive updates from his family over the past seven days, his manager Terry Rymer - an Endurance World Champion himself - tweeted that Rea is now able to understand and respond to communications. Rymer adds that he is able to squeeze hands and has attempted to talk.
It comes two days after Rea’s family confirmed the 32-year old had been brought out of sedation for the first time and showed signs of recovery.
“Gino has made our day, David his dad and Elaine his mum have said.
“We were by his side and, as soon as we spoke, he opened his eyes and looked right at me, then at Elaine.
“We could see he was pleased to see us and tried to talk.
“We could hold his hand, he was squeezing ours.
“Gino is communicating by raising his eyebrows.
“Shannon, his sister, and Bella, his wife, went in next. They said ‘blink twice if you understand me’ and he did!
“The doctor said he didn’t respond to any nurses but was amazed when he saw the response to the family. He said it’s a great sign.”
News from Gino’s family: #KeepFightingGino pic.twitter.com/tKfRYnVtMD
— Terry Rymer (@TerryRymer7) August 15, 2022
Rea was airlifted to hospital following an accident on his own during Free Practice 2 for the 2022 Suzuka 8 Hours - which he was due to compete with the FCC TSR Honda EWC team - on the morning of 6 August.
After a blackout of information over the coming days while doctors waited for Rea’s family to make the trip to Japan, a statement on 9 August [Tuesday] confirmed he had suffered serious head injuries and swelling on the brain.
Further statements have sounded cautious optimism the Englishman - a BSB and WorldSSP race winner - is on the road towards a long but full recovery.
