Update on Max – On the mend
- From: 'the Wire' | Published: May 11th, 2009 - 10:42 pm
After the incomprehensible events Max (Neukirchner) is on the way to recovery. He was operated on immediately at the hospital in Monza after several medical examinations lasting several hours. The operation took altogether about six hours, but came off without complication according to the statements of the doctors.
Max lost a lot of blood but a transfusion was not necessary. After analysis of the X-rays the doctors assured during today’s rounds that the operation was a success. When Max came out of the OR last night at 2 o’clock he was responsive and asked for water, a pizza and what the doctors did with him for such a long time.
Max has to stay in the hospital for the next couple days and can’t fly back due to his state of health. We will keep you up-to-date and Max thanks everyone for all the recovery wishes.
Max: “I remember everything and the pain was unbearable. As soon as the doctors gives me the green light I want to go home.”
Short news Sunday: It could not have been more unfortunate for Max than this. He got away from the start very quickly and moved forward toward the front. He almost passed the first chicane when several riders in the midfield crashed, among them Corser, Hill, Tamada and Roberts. The bike from B. Roberts shot forwards uncontrolled and rammed Max from the right side with full force. Max fell very badly and the race was interrupted. Max was brought immediately to the hospital in Monza. The medical checkup showed a broken right femur and and two fractures in the lower leg until now. He will be operated in Monza today.
In case you missed it – Alsare Suzuki:
The fifth round of this year’s Superbike World Championship will be one to forget for Team Suzuki Alstare Brux. A horrific crash on the opening lap of the first race ended with Max being taken to hospital with a broken femur in the right leg and three broken bones in the lower leg and foot.
Max was in the lead going into the chicane but was hit by another bike that had crashed a few metres or so behind. The impact forced Max onto the grass and it was obvious straightaway that he was in considerable pain. Brendan Roberts and his bike were also involved in the crash and both riders had to receive attention for some time trackside. The race was red-flagged almost at once and in the end, six bikes were taken on trucks back to the pits.
After a long delay, the race was restarted and Max’s team mate,Yukio,rode superbly to take a well-earned fourth place. In race two, he was given a ride through penalty and was dead last when he rejoined the race after five laps. Despite some vibration from his bike, he kept going, only to finish out of the points in 17th place.
Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) won the first race, much to the delight of the home fans, with team mate Noriyuki Haga second and Ryuichi Kiyonari third. American Ben Spies (Yamaha) was in contention for a win, but ran out of fuel on the last lap. In race two, he made up for his disappointment by dominating the race and taking victory by a comfortable margin. Second was Michel Fabrizio, with Kiyonari third again.
Yukio – Race 1: 4th, Race 2: 17th
I made not so bad a start and was fourth after lap one and trying to stay with the top group. I was having problems with Biaggi, because although I could close in on him on the brakes, his bike would always accelerate better than mine out of the turns. After 12 laps or so, my tire was nearly at the limit and the grip level was not good. I just kept pushing as hard as I could without taking any big risks and managed fourth place.
In race two, I made a good start, but my bike was vibrating a bit. Then I got a ride through penalty and was last. It was difficult catching up again – especially as my bike was still vibrating – but I managed to overtake some riders and get 17th I’m not so happy today because I thought my results would be a lot better. I cannot fault my mechanics because they have worked very well and we found a good feeling with the bike which makes me feel very positive for the next race. So thank you to my staff.
