The Italian was admitted to the hospital in Imola on December 27 after becoming ill with the virus shortly before
Christmas.
He was moved to a specialized COVID care ward in Bologna when his condition deteriorated, and he stayed there
until his death.
Gresini was first placed on assisted breathing and placed in a coma; but, in January, he began to show indications of
recovery and was taken out of his coma.
However, in recent weeks, as he battled the virus-caused pneumonia, physicians had to place him back into a coma.
The Italian’s death was announced by the Gresini squad early on Tuesday.
“The news we would have never wanted to give, and that unfortunately we are forced to share with all of you,” the
statement continued.
“Fausto Gresini, who fought against Covid for about two months, regrettably passed away a few days after turning sixty.
“All of Gresini Racing are close to Fausto’s family in support: his wife Nadia and the four children Lorenzo, Luca,
Alice and Agnese… as well as everyone who had the chance to get to know him and love him throughout the years.”
Gresini competed in the 125cc world championship from 1983 and 1994, using Garelli equipment to win the
championship in 1985 and 1987.
In addition to winning two world titles, Gresini achieved an astounding 47 podium places and won 21 races during
his racing career.
After retiring from competition, Gresini established the championship team that now carries his name in 1997. Alex
Barros, a Brazilian, drove a Honda and finished on the podium at Donington Park.
With Japanese sensation Daijiro Kato, Gresini’s squad will win the 250cc riders’ championship in 2001. The
following year, Kato was promoted to the MotoGP, where he finished on the podium twice.
Sete Gibernau won four races for Gresini in an emotional 2003 season that included Kato’s death in a crash at the
Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Gibernau finished second in the standings.
In 2004, Gibernau accomplished the same feat once more, and in 2005, Marco Melandri finished second in the
standings with his Gresini Honda.
