Successful operation for Laconi

Regis Laconi was operated on this morning at Sunninghill Hospital in Sandton (Johannesburg) by Dr. Maurizio Zorio and his team. The outcome fully lived up to the expectations of the medical team and the head physician confirmed that the operation was a perfect success and did not require any further intervention.

The Frenchman, who crashed on his out lap in Friday morning free practice in a fast left-hand curve at Kyalami circuit, was fitted with a metal plate that stabilized the two cervical vertebrae fractured in the crash. In addition a fragment of bone that had lodged close to the spinal cord was also removed and plastic surgery was carried out on the relevant area with a skin graft from the hip. After this lengthy operation, Laconi was moved to intensive care for the normal period of convalescence following this type of injury. He is reported to be reacting well and in the next 24 hours will be reawakened once again to begin the long period of rehabilitation.

Regis will probably remain in hospital until the end of the month after which he will be transferred to a specialized clinic in Paris by plane. The situation is reported to be positive and barring complications, for Laconi there should be no physical consequences. Any decision regarding his eventual return to racing has been postponed until a future date.