History-making Ana Carrasco fit again just 4 months after major back injury

Ana Carrasco remains on course to return to the track well in time for the start of the 2021 WorldSSP 300 Championship having almost completed a remarkable recovery from spinal injuries that doctors initially feared could leave her paralysed. 

Carrasco was in the midst of attempting to regain the WorldSSP 300 Championship title she famously clinched in 2018 when a crash during a private test session at Portimao in September left her with a double fracture to her vertebrae.

Though doctors’ worst fears of permanent damage were not realised, they anticipated an arduous route to recovery. However, just four months on and Carrasco says she is nearly back to full strength and will be able to start pre-season testing on schedule. 

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“I’m really pleased, the operation has gone well according to all the doctors, I want to thank everyone for their support these last few months,” she said. “I in particular, Albert, our medical coordinator, Santi my physical trainer and Joan Tao, my osteopath, for the many hours that they’ve dedicated to my health which is bearing fruit. 

“Of course, my thanks also go to the good work of Dr. Ubierna and Dr. Cáceres. I’m desperate to get back on my Ninja 400; we will be 100% mentally and physically ready when the season starts.”

Carrasco assured her place in motrocycling history by becoming the first woman to win a solo FIM motorcycle world championship following her triumph in 2018. She defended that with a run to third overall in 2019 and was in contention for the 2020 title again prior to her crash.

She will get another shot at it in 2021 though with the same backing from the Provec Racing outfit that has steered Jonathan Rea to six WorldSBK Championship titles in the past six years.