February 2024

The Plymouth Gladiators have suffered a major blow with big winter signing Nico Covatti injured in a crash in Argentina.

Covatti is due to make his return to UK racing with the Gladiators in the Cab Direct Championship this season and was continuing his winter programme in the International Speedway Championship.

But he was involved in a frightening accident with former Sheffield rider Facundo Albin in the Final of the ninth round, as both came down heavily on the exit of the second bend.

Whilst Albin appears to have avoided serious injury, pending further scans, Covatti suffered arm and leg fractures with surgery to come next Thursday.

He told La Nueva: “We will have to think about when the return to Italy will be after the operation. We are evaluating having my wife come with the baby, and thus be a little more contained here.

“Right now, it’s about being as united as possible. In Italy I will start with rehabilitation and, from there, by the spring of Europe I will be able to start touring.”

Everyone at The Gladiators sends our best wishes to Nico for a quick and speedy recovery.

Further team updates will be provided once available.