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It is just over two weeks since Davide Giugliano suffered the spectacular highside which ruled him out of the 2015 season-opener at Phillip Island with three fractured vertebrae. The Italian Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team rider takes time to discuss the latest on his situation and the fact that Troy Bayliss will continue to cover for him in Thailand this month.

Davide, how are you feeling?
I’m fine, I am recovering. Recovering from a spinal injury is not exactly easy, but over the last few days I am noticing some marked improvements. At this time the only cures are to rest and have magnetic therapy. In days ten days’ time I will be assessed again to decide whether I can commence with rehabilitation and physiotherapy, if that is deemed necessary.

When you crashed, how bad did you think it was?
I realised immediately that I had hurt something. The adrenaline kicked in and the fear that I had broken my back made sure I got to my feet as soon as possible. Obviously, the fact I was able to walk removed my worst fears immediately. I thought to myself, ‘Okay, you have broken something’ because I was in a lot of pain, but the simple fact that I was walking away came as a great relief that it wasn’t even worse. Later on, when I received the diagnosis and knew it was fractured vertebrae, I knew it would be crazy to try and race in Australia.

Naturally, the real frustration was that I would have to miss more than two races. A detailed examination afterwards revealed that it wasn’t just the L1 and L2 vertebrae that were damaged, as originally confirmed, but also the D12. Given what happened, though, I feel fortunate to have escaped with ‘only’ these fractures; it could have been much worse and the airbag suit definitely helped to prevent any further injury.

What do you remember of the crash itself?
It was a highside on the exit of Turn 11 - and very, very violent one. It is a point on the Phillip Island track that has caused many falls in the past and with injuries in some cases. I was catapulted into the air and I think one of the vertebrae actually fractured at that very moment because of the sheer pull of the crash, because I felt a first ‘crack’ before I even hit the ground.

This demoted you to the role of spectator. What did you make of the level of your rivals and the general competitiveness we saw at Phillip Island?
It was a great round. In both races we saw very little difference between the three riders at the front (Leon Haslam, Jonathan Rea and Chaz Davies), but the others were not far away either. Phillip Island is always a special event because it never really gives us a proper gauge for the season ahead. In that sense, the next races will tell. Jonathan was a surprise to some extent, although I had always said that I thought he would be up there. It was nice to see Haslam winning, as he is a hard rider who always gives it everything he has got. Chaz was also very strong and put in two great races. His performance was very satisfying to see and demonstrates the excellent work he and Ducati have done over the winter – the bike has really come on a lot.

Three-time World Champion Troy Bayliss substituted for you in Australia and we now know he will race in Thailand as well. What do you make of it all?!
Usually a rider is never pleased to have to be replaced by anyone – it is of course a little frustrating not to be able to get out there and you are kind of ‘jealous’ that someone else is riding your bike. But to be replaced by somebody like Troy is obviously not bad! He is a living legend in World Superbike and for the ‘Ducatisti’ to see him returning to competition, even if it only turns out to be for two rounds, is truly amazing. Of course, I don’t like to have to stay at home, but to have Troy riding the bike is an honour for me.

From a racing point of view, what did you think of his performance at Phillip Island?
Troy is a guy who always gives it everything, regardless of anything else. He is one of those old school racers – quite like myself, in some ways. He gave it everything at Phillip Island, forgetting he wasn’t familiar with the bike, his age or the general difficulties of returning to competition at late notice. In the end, the races didn’t go too badly at all; you could see how hard he wanted to do well and a true Champion never forgets how to go fast.

Do you think you will be back at Imola?
I hope to be back before! Joking aside, I should be returning at Imola. If I am able to return before, that would be nice, but it is difficult to recover quickly from a back injury like this one. It takes its time. We’ll know more in ten days, after the next medical examinations.

While waiting for his return to the race track, fans of the Italian rider will be able to meet him on Saturday 7 March at the Motodays show in Rome. Giugliano will be present on the Ducati stand from 2pm local time (GMT +1), although it is expected to be a somewhat short visit given the limited amount of time he is able to spent on his feet.