Vladimir Ivanov out of intensive care

Vladimir Ivanov remains under the close observation of doctors in Italy, two weeks after an accident during the World Supersport race at Imola left him in intensive care with serious injuries.

The Russian racer has undergone two lengthy operations to correct broken femur and a double fracture of the pelvis and was left in a critical condition due to severe blood loss.

Since then, Ivanov's condition has improved so as to be moved from intensive care to the Orthapedic unit of Imola hospital.

"Last days have been tough for Vova (Ivanov's nickname) as he is off his painkillers, as you cannot continue using them for a long time," his girlfiend Eugenia Maximova said. "So from now he has to be really strong. Good news that he can feel his leg again, he hopes for full recovery and stays strong as we are!

"We would like to thank you all our guests, who came to hospital to see Vova, and people who are supporting us - Vladimir V. Ivanov, Kev Coghlan, Toni Elias, Loris Baz, Marco Melandri, Chaz Davies, Jack Kennedy and his mom, Luca Scassa, Alex Baldolini and his beloved Nuria, Florian Marino, Giordano Borri, Giuseppe Andriani, the Lorenzini family, Team Rivamoto and many others!

"Vova would like to thank all his fans and friends in Russia, especially those from the Russian Championship. We will never forget your nice words, pictures and support!"

The DMC Lorenzini rider is currently classified 15th in the standings with a best finish this season of ninth.