Kazuki Nakajima is recovered for Le Mans
Injured during the qualifying for the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Kazuki Nakajima is now completely recovered, which secures his place for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The difficult weather conditions on the Ardennes circuit had led to a collision between the Japanese driver’s Toyota and one of the Audis involved. The violent accident had thus caused a fracture in one of the driver’s vertebrae, even though he did not immediately realize the severity of his injury: « Until I arrived at the hospital and had my medical examination, I hoped I could race. But at the same time, I was in a bit of pain. So, I wasn’t too surprised to hear that I had an injury. »
If he was initially treated at the Sainte-Elisabeth clinic in Verviers, he was then quickly transferred to the hospital in Nice, where he was attended to by specialists in this type of injury: « We decided to go to Nice for treatment where they used a cement or glue output to repair the vertebra. The treatment went very well and the next day I was already out. »
The last stage of his recovery program then took place in Italy: « We started the recovery program directly in Italy with my trainer. I went there every day and after just three days, I could feel that I was getting better. My movements were less restricted and I was in less pain. »
This allows him to be back in top form again, to tackle the initial preparatory tests that will start from tomorrow on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit: « My passion for Le Mans helped motivate me even right after the accident when it seemed unlikely that I could drive at Le Mans this year. I am so happy that my dream for Le Mans in 2015 is still alive, and I can’t wait to get back in the car during tomorrow’s tests. »
He will therefore reunite with his teammates Sébastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson in the No. 1 Toyota, who will attempt to win for the first time, 30 years after the Japanese brand’s first attempt.
