More positive news has emerged from the intensive care unit of the Maggiore Carl🧜o Alberto Pizzardi hospital in Bologna, where MotoGP team 😼boss Fausto Gresini is being treated for severe respiratory problems after contracting Covid in late December.

Having previously been woken from a pharmaceutical coma, then having his level of sedation moderated further, the former 125cc world champion is now described by his tea🀅m as 'fully conscious and aware'.

Tha🃏t also allowed him to take part in his daughter's birthday via a video call and then receive a visit from his wife for the first time since December 27. For now, the 59-year-old Italian continues to breathe ♏with the aid of a mechanical ventilator.

“Fausto Gresini's general clinical conditions - albeit♒ still fragile – are improving," confirmed Doctor Nicola Cilloni, who has been providing frequent medi𝄹cal updates on the MotoGP team manager.

"He is awake and very cooperative; he is still aided by the breat👍hing machine b💟ut has begun with physiotherapy already.

"Today's visit by his wif🌱e Nadia, whom he welcomed with great emotio♌n, has surely strengthened his already well-known great determination.”

Gresini, th🅷e only MotoGP team boss known to have contracted Covid, was diagnosed just before Christmas.

After intitally self-isolating at home, Gresini's deteriorating condition required admission to hospital in Imola on December 27, then a move t🔯o the specialist Covid wardꦬ in Bologna on December 30.