Laconi suffers five broken vertebrae at Kyalami

Regis Laconi has been ruled out of the Kyalami race after suffering a serious crash on the first lap of the opening free practice session today.

The Frenchman riding the DFX Corse Ducati lost the front at the fast turn 11 and has subsequently been diagnosed with five broken vertebrae. Laconi was initially treated trackside after losing consciousness in the accident.

He quickly regained consciousness and was taken to Sunning Hill Hospital in Sandton where he underwent a CAT scan to diagnose his injuries.

Sources at the track have confirmed that there is no neurological damage and the 33 year old has been put into a medically induced coma and will undergo an operation to plate his damaged vertebrae today.

At time of writing it remains unclear when Laconi will make his return to racing.