Dettwiler wakes and speaks after Sepang scare

PETALING JAYA: Moto3 rider Noah Dettwiler has been making remarkable progress and is communicating well after the horrific crash at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia last weekend.

The Swiss rider has left intensive care and has been transferred to a private clinic in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to continue his recovery.

The 20-year-old had already undergone several surgeries on Monday after being airlifted from the circuit, but will still have another surgery on his leg.

The Moto3 race at Sepang on Sunday was delayed and shortened after the collision involving newly crowned world champion Jose Antonio Rueda and 20-year-old Dettwiler during the sighting lap. Both riders were airlifted to hospital.

Dettwiler’s team, CIP Green Power, explained the extent of his injuries.

“The incident required immediate medical intervention at the track, where Noah suffered multiple cardiac arrests and was resuscitated.

“He was then airlifted to Kuala Lumpur Hospital, where doctors undertook several emergency surgeries, including the removal of his spleen to stop severe bleeding and a first operation on his leg, which had an open fracture.

“They also inserted a catheter to monitor intracranial pressure. He suffered from severe lung contusions as well and remained in critical condition for several days.

“On Wednesday, the doctors said his condition was no longer critical, and from that point on, he continued to make remarkable progress.

“After undergoing additional X-rays, the doctors also found a crack in his neck. He will need to wear a brace for a few weeks to stabilise it. He is now awake and communicating with his family and the doctor.”

Doctors will decide whether his next surgery will take place in Malaysia or after he returns to Switzerland.

CIP Green Power also expressed gratitude to the medical staff and track marshals for their swift response, and extended support to Rueda, who fractured his hand in the same incident and is recovering in Spain.

“Our thoughts are also with Rueda, as well as his entire team and loved ones, during this difficult time. We send them our full support.”