Italian rider involved in serious crash transferred home after 31 days

The start of this year’s Manx Grand Prix got off to a bad start. The first combined practice session for the Junior MGP and Sportbike classes had to be abandoned after just five minutes due to a serious incident that required the emergency services to intervene immediately.

Salvatore Sallustro had crashed at Greeba Bridge. The 41-year-old Italian, who had this year succeeded his compatriot Maurizio Bottalico as European Hillclimb Champion in the Superbike class, was taken to Noble’s Hospital after receiving first aid at the scene of the accident. His injuries were so severe that he was subsequently transferred to a specialist clinic in Aintree.

“31 days after a serious crash at the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man – 26 of which he spent in intensive care – Salvo has left the United Kingdom and returned to his home in Italy on a special flight,” announced the Moto Klub Matulji Racing, of which Sallustro is a member.

“Following a dramatic first few days and a long period of treatment, his return to Italy marks an important step on his road to recovery. He still has a long and arduous road ahead of him, but from now on he can continue his treatment in a more familiar environment, closer to his family and the people who have given him tremendous support over the past few weeks.”