Petrucci: Jaw surgery successful, replacement found / Superbike World Championship

The injuries that Danilo Petrucci suffered on the motocross track in Cingoli on Thursday were serious and could not be treated in an operation. The famous Italian is being treated at the Torrette di Ancona hospital.

The initial focus was on a 33-year-old man’s twice-broken jaw, which was fixed by inserting several metal plates. Petrucci will probably have to wait a while to replace the broken teeth. But he was happy that he could eat food himself again – there was pasta cleaned with turkey and broccoli mash through the tube from the end!

Another operation is scheduled for Monday to stabilize the fractured right collarbone and shoulder blade.

It is clear that Petrucci will miss the third event of the 2024 World Superbike Championship in Assen, but his return to the racetrack is expected with a test in May!

“The most important thing is Danilo’s well-being. I went to Ancona today to meet him in person and make him feel the love of the team. I must say he is very motivated to return. “The recovery will start after the collarbone surgery,” reported his team boss Marco Barnabò . “We decided to drive with Nicholas Spinelli in Assen. A young driver who has been with us before. It will be a tough challenge for him because he’s never ridden a Superbike before, but it’s the right time to give him a chance and there won’t be any pressure on him.”

Spinelli is a two-time Italian Moto3 champion (2017, 2019) and won the national Supersport series with Barni Ducati.

“I’m very sorry about Danilo’s accident; I wish him a speedy recovery. However, I’m happy with this decision. Riding with the boys in the Superbike Championship is a dream come true,” said the 22-year-old. “I’ll do my best and enjoy this experience. Many thanks to Marco Barnabò and the whole team, who still believe in me after the season together.”