Gino Rea breathing on his own and starting to communicate

Gino Rea is breathing on his own and no longer requires the assistance of a ventilator as his recovery continues to progress.

The latest positive report from Rea’s family confirms the Honda rider has been continuing to make progress after his Suzuka Eight-Hours accident at the start of August and is now beginning to communicate with family, who remain by his side in Japan.

“Positive results on Gino’s recovery,” a family statement on social media confirmed on Tuesday.

“The ventilator has been removed. He is now breathing on his own and beginning to communicate with family.

“Family and the hospital team are very happy with his progress. Thanks for the support. From the Rea’s and Berdini’s.”

Earlier news via double Endurance Champion turned commentator Terry Rymer, explained Rea had opened his eyes and responded to his parents, wife and sister, as they visited in ICU.

“Gino has made our day,” his parents David and Elaine said. “We were by his side and soon as we spoke he opened his eyes looked right at me then over to Elaine, we could see he was pleased to see us and tried to talk. We could hold his hands, he was squeezing ours.

“Gino is communicating, raising his eyebrows, Shannon (his sister) and Bella (his wife) went in next they said blink twice if you can understand me and he did!

“Doctor said he didn’t respond to any nurses, but was amazed when he saw the response to his family, he said it’s a great sign!”