WSB: Regis Laconi Kyalami crash update (16th May)

Regis Laconi remains in an induced coma following his accident in a practice session ahead of Sunday's FIM Superbike World Championship races in South Africa.

The DFX Corse rider suffered multiple injuries in the crash at the Kyalami circuit on Friday morning and following treatment at the track's medical centre was airlifted to Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, where he underwent a CT scan.

A statement on the official WSB website revealed a planned operation on the French rider had been postponed on the advice of a neurosurgeon. It is expected Laconi will be immobile for three weeks while his injuries are assessed.

The statment says: "Laconi suffered two broken cervical vertebrae (C3 and C5), severe concussion and a contusion of the lung. A CT scan for eventual neurological damage proved to be negative and for the moment he is in an induced coma and in a stable condition.

"After consultation with Dr Maurizio Zorzi, the South African neurosurgeon who was called from Pretoria to check on the patient's condition, it was decided not to operate immediately and to postpone any eventual intervention for a few days.

"Barring complications, a further three weeks will be required before a clear clinical picture of the situation can be made, during which the French rider will have to remain totally immobile."