Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 rider Steve Ramon has begun the drawn-out road to recovery after his serious crash at Lommel during qualification for the Grand Prix of Limburg last Saturday.

The former world champion was moved out of intensive care at a hospital in Genk and transferred to a facility close to his home in Eeklo on Monday.

“Steve suffered a contusion of the spine and when the muscles began to ease he could regain feeling and move his legs. He can now sit-up and has begun the first steps of a 10-15-point plan,” explained Dr Sam Vermeire.

“There is a long way to go and we hope soon he will be able to take his first steps. When he can start to make ‘transfers’ such as moving from the bed, getting up to walk across the room, sitting down and-so-on, then he will be able to leave the hospital and go home to begin his rehab and physio from there.

“In four-to-six weeks we will know a lot more about his recovery and options for his career in the future,” he added.

“It could be three-to-five months before there is a full recovery and perhaps some painful rehab ahead because of the nerve damage, but, like I said, the first positive steps have been made so we will see how we progress from here.”

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 thanked all the medical staff and experts, from the scene of the crash at Lommel, to Steve’s current rehab team for all their care, concern and attention.

“It is reassuring that motorsport athletes can have immediate access to the high-quality of medical treatment that Steve received and we are so-appreciative of every person who has helped; and for all of those who have sent Steve and the team well-wishing messages,” said team owner Sylvain Geboers.

“For sure this is not an easy time but Steve is a strong character as well as a very-fit individual, so we are hopeful for the weeks ahead.”

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 will count on the services of former rider Kevin Strijbos for the remaining four rounds of the FIM MX1 World Championship.