EWC: Gino Rea returns to the UK one month after Suzuka 8-Hour crash

One month after suffering serious injuries in a crash during practice at the Suzuka 8-Hour, Gino Rea has returned home to the UK.

Rea suffered head, chest, and lung injuries as a result of the crash, and was initially placed in a coma. Since then, the F.C.C. TSR Honda France rider has been making remarkable progress in his recovery, supported by his family at the MIE University Hospital in Japan.

On August 13, an update confirmed that Rea had opened his eyes and made eye contact for a very short period of time, whilst three days later it was revealed his ventilator had been removed and that he was breathing on his own and beginning to communicate with his family.

On August 31 his family revealed Rea was greeting them with a smile every day, whilst he was also back on his feet, taking strides with confidence whilst engaging with those around him. In an Instagram posted on Tuesday September 6, Gino’s family said:

“On Monday 5^th September, after a long-anticipated wait, we were finally able to get Gino back to the UK by a specialist air ambulance. He was transported from the hospital in Japan to the Neurological Rehab Centre in London.

“Here Gino will begin the intensive rehab that is required for him to make the best recovery possible. It is a big relief for us all to have him back home safely in the UK.

“We will give you a further update in the coming days once he has settled in. Thanks for the support. The Rea and Berdini family.”

Rea has enjoyed success in multiple championships throughout his racing career. He won the European Superstock 600 Championship in 2009, is a World Supersport race winner, a Moto2 World Championship podium finisher and a two-time BSB race winner.

Since becoming a HRC factory rider in the Endurance World Championship this season, Rea has finished on the podium in the Le mans 24-Hour and 24 Hours of Spa events. He also guided privateer team, Wojcik Racing Yamaha to their first-ever podium at the 2019 Bol d’OR.

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EWC: Gino Rea’s family release update on his condition

First published: August 6 2022 by Josh Close

Gino Rea’s family have released an update on his condition following his accident during Free Practice Two for the Suzuka 8-Hour on August 6.

The Endurance World Championship rider was treated for head, chest and lung injuries by the trackside medical team before being airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. Rea has been placed into a coma.

Rea’s family were flown to Japan and assisted with their visas and any quarantine issues. They’ve now posted an update on Rea’s Instagram page regarding his condition.

“We couldn’t make a post earlier due to the Japanese culture, as they do not release any news to media without the direct contact with the family first,” the statement reads. “We arrived in Japan on August 8 and 8pm with many thanks to the EWC, FIM, Suzuka Circuit, British Consulate and TSR Racing Team for all the help in arranging emergency visas for us.

“At 2:30pm we had the opportunity to see Gino, so we now have confirmation from the doctor about his condition. Gino was admitted to the intensive care unit on Saturday August 6 following an accident in Free Practice 2. He was concussed and sustained serious head injuries, and also has injuries to his left clavicle.

“He is still under sedation to reduce swelling on his brain, and to control his temperature. He is due for another CT scan on Wednesday for a re-evaluation of his condition. Thank you for the excellent work from the Suzuka medics, helicopter crew and the hospital staff.

“Gino is very strong minded, lives life to the full and gives 100% to any situation. With him being so fit and healthy, it will help him to a Speedy-G recovery.

“Thanks for all the support and messages. We will keep you updated as soon as we have any new information.”

Rea became a full factory EWC rider this season after signing for the F.C.C. TSR Honda France team. The team finished on the podium in both 24-hour raced at Le Mans and Spa, crossing the line in third place on both occasions.