The Ferrari mechanic mowed down by Kimi Raikkonen has arrived back in Italy following successful surgery on his horror double leg break.
Francesco Cigarini was left in a heap on the pit-lane floor after Raikkonen was given the green signal to leave during last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. As the veteran Finn pulled away at speed he inadvertently collided with Cigarini.
The mechanic underwent emergency surgery on a fractured tibia and fibula in a nearby Bahraini hospital but a spokesperson for the Italian constructor has revealed that Cigarini is now mobile on crutches after leaving Bahrain on Wednesday.
Raikkonen, 38, courted some criticism after failing to acknowledge the stricken mechanic in the moments following the incident but it is understood the 2007 world champion phoned Cigarini earlier this week.
Ferrari were fined £45,000 by the F1’s sporting body, the FIA, following their unsafe release during the chaotic race.
Ferrari launched an investigation into the accident, and determined that it was a freak failure. They have put additional protocols in place for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix to ensure against a repeat.
It is unclear how long Cigarini will be sidelined for but the Italian is said to be in good spirits and adapting well to his new-found fame.