Moto3 racer Noah Dettwiler's condition status has improved from critical to stable following his crash involving Jose Antonio Rueda on the sighting lap at the Malaysian Grand Prix, according to his CIP Moto team in the most positive update so far on the 20-year-old's condition.
Dettwiler's KTM machine suffered a technical problem on the sighting lap of the Sepang race on Sunday, and he was making his way to the side of the track when he was impacted by the KTM Ajo machine of Rueda, who was approaching at high speed.
Both riders suffered significant injuries and required medical evacuation by air ambulance to local hospitals after a significant delay, with Dettwiler's condition initially reported by his team as critical as he underwent multiple surgeries.
However, the severity of his condition was downgraded on Wednesday morning to no longer critical, even as he remains in intensive care.
"According to the doctors, Noah's condition is now stable and no longer critical,” his CIP Moto team said. "He will continue to be monitored closely in the intensive care unit. Thank you all for your continued support and kindness."
In a separate update issued by Rueda's Ajo team, it also confirmed that the newly crowned Moto3 champion was recovering and would soon be transferred back to his native Spain for further treatment.
Diagnosed after the crash as having sustained a serious concussion, contusions to his whole body, and a broken hand, Rueda too is now starting to recuperate.
"After repeating all the tests carried out last Sunday, we can confirm that the Spanish rider's condition continues to improve," Ajo said on Wednesday.
"We want to take the opportunity of this positive news to wish Jose Antonio a happy birthday [Rueda turned 19]. We hope to be able to celebrate it soon.
"On Monday, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was transferred to a private hospital to continue his recovery and to monitor the bruising on his lungs more closely, which are recovering well. As a result, doctors believe it is possible for him to return to Spain tomorrow [Thursday October 30] to undergo surgery on his right hand in Barcelona in the coming days.
"On the other hand, the entire Red Bull KTM Ajo team would like to send all our strength to Noah Dettwiler, as well as his family and friends, during his recovery process. We hope to see you soon."
