Matteo Bertelle's injury seems more serious than expected. The rider has been hospitalized since April 6th for fractures to his right tibia and left humerus after being involved in an accident. As stated in a statement released today by the LevelUp-MTA team, the young rider from Padua is still hospitalized in clinically stable condition but with complications that require constant medical monitoring.
While waiting to have their rider back, the team led by Alessandro Tonucci has decided to repalce him with Vicente Perez Selfa alongside Joel Kelso. The experienced Spanish rider, who had already worked with the team in 2020, will ride Bertelle's bike starting from the upcoming MototGP round scheduled for the weekend of April 25th to 27th in Jerez. The current rider for the GP Project 2WheelsPoliTO Factory Racing team in the CIV Moto3 will make his season debut in the World Championship category after two wins in the first round of the Italian championship held last week in Misano.
"Matteo's current condition does not allow us to foresee his immediate return to the track, so we're announcing a replacement until he returns to riding his number eighteen bike. Vicente Perez Selfa is the choice shared between the owner and the technical team, believing that the rider's qualities are the best for the team, since we want to continue fighting in the top positions, as has happened until now," Massimo Zucchi, LevelUp Motorsport CEO, said as he explained why Vicente was chosen as Bertelle's replacement. "Perez has demonstrated his potential several times, and we're sure that, with us, he can express himself at his best and confirm the worth of our team in this very competitive season. Until Matteo's return, we'll push as hard as we can with Perez, waiting for our number eighteen to return soon, and in top form, and fight for the top positions he deserves."
The Spanish rider, who'll be riding with the #32, is also ready to give it his all, so that the team won't regret Matteo's absence.
"I'm very happy to be back in the world championship with one of the best teams on the grid. I want to thank LevelUp-MTA for their trust and for believing in me. Now is the time to take this opportunity and prove that we can remain up in front and bring good results to the team," he said. " I wish Matteo a speedy recovery."
Bertelle's family has asked for strict confidentiality on his condition. Further updates will be shared by the team when possible, through a mutual agreement with his family.