Alex de Angelis injury latest: MotoGP rider 'able to talk' as condition improves after serious Motegi crash

De Angelias suffered intercranial bleeding as well as a lung contusion, fractured ribs and vertabrae in a serious accident at Motegi this weekend

Alex de Angelis is treated by medics after a crash during MotoGP practice (Getty Images)

Doctors treating MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis reported an improvement in his condition after further treatment on the serious injuries he suffered in a practice crash for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday that left him “critical” and in a medically induced coma.

De Angelis crashed during fourth practice at Motegi that left him with multiple injuries including a lung contusion as well as rib and spinal fractures.

However, a further scan on Sunday revealed an intracranial haematoma, and due to the bleeding on his brain he was immediately sedated and kept under observation in case surgery was needed.

Positive news came on Monday morning though as a statement released by MotoGP confirmed an improvement in his condition, while his head injury has not worsened.

The statement said: "The rider remains in a critical condition but as his sedation was reduced, he was able to talk and was oriented in time and space.

MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis (Getty Images)

"He'll undergo a further head CT scan in the next 48 to 72 hours to ensure the intracranial hematoma is stable while the conditions of the lungs will need further evaluation."

It added that a latest head and chest CT scan "reassuringly showed that the intracranial hematoma he suffered was unchanged while the contusions to his lungs are slightly resolving.”

Alex de Angelis on board his Ioda Aprilia (Getty Images)

MotoGP medic Dr Michele Zasa has remained at Dokkyo Hospital where De Angelis is being treated to assist with his recovery. Former MotoGP riders Loris Capirossi and Franco Uncini, who have sinced worked with MotoGP as safety officials, have also visited De Angelis, while championship leader Valentino Rossi wished him good luck ahead of Sunday’s race in which the Italian finished runner-up to winner Dani Pedrosa.