Gino Rea leaves hospital, returns to UK a month on from Suzuka 8 Hours crash

Gino Rea has returned to the UK just over a month on from his horrific accident during the Suzuka 8 Hours race weekend that left him fighting for his life.

The Englishman crashed his FCC TSR Honda during Free Practice 3 ahead of the Japanese endurance classic on 3 August. 

However, after surviving a critical period in the 48 hours after the accident - which left him with serious head injuries - Rea began showing signs of progress in the week that followed as he was brought out of sedation.

Since then, regular updates from his family have brought progressively positive recovery progression as his communication and mobility improved.

As a result, it has culminated in Rea leaving hospital for the first time on Monday 5 September, just over a month on from the accident. Having since returned to the UK to the Neurological Rehab Centre in London, his family says it is ‘a big relief’ to bring him home.

“On Monday 5 September. After a long-anticipated wait, we were finally able to get Gino back to the UK by a specialist air ambulance. He was transported from the hospital in Japan to the Neurological Rehab Centre in London. 

“Here Gino will begin the intensive rehab that is required for him to make the best recovery possible. It is a big relief for us all to have him back home safely in the UK.”

Competing in his first season as a full factory Honda rider, Rea - together with team-mates Josh Hook and Mike di Meglio - have established the FCC TSR team as title contenders in the Endurance World Championship this season.

Though the team’s EWC title aspirations were dented by a tenth place finish in Suzuka, the French outfit is still in contention for the 2022 crown at the upcoming Bol d’Or 24 hours finale in Paul Ricard, where’s Rea position in the team will be assumed by Alan Techer.