Matsuda was concerned in an incident with two GT300 vehicles exiting the high-speed 130R within the closing levels of June’s third spherical of the season, the influence with the limitations and catch fencing destroying his NISMO-run Nissan Z.
The 2-time GT500 champion needed to be airlifted to hospital, however Nissan reported he had prevented any vital accidents. Three days later, he was transferred from intensive care to a basic ward to proceed his restoration.
Matsuda was lastly launched from hospital in mid-July, six weeks on from the crash, and was deemed match sufficient to take up his common seat within the #23 Nissan alongside team-mate Ronnie Quintarelli this weekend at Fuji.
Talking to chosen media, together with Motorsport.com’s Japanese version, at Fuji on Friday, Matsuda revealed he had been unable to stroll initially after struggling a crack in his proper ankle and injury to the muscular tissues in his thighs.
“I keep in mind every little thing [about the accident],” he stated. “However the influence was so huge, I used to be in a lot ache that I couldn’t get out of the automobile below my very own energy. I used to be simply considering that I hope my leg isn’t damaged.
“A variety of ideas had been going by means of my head, equivalent to worrying about whether or not I might have the ability to make a comeback.
“The muscular tissues on the base of my thighs on each legs had been broken. There was additionally a small crack within the bone of my proper ankle, in order that needed to be secured with a forged.
“I wasn’t in a position to stroll. I used to be doing coaching and rehabilitation that you are able to do even whereas in a wheelchair. From there, I steadily began to apply strolling and ultimately I used to be in a position to stroll once more.
“My higher physique was principally fantastic, so I used to be in a position to prepare [my upper body] from mid-June. I began coaching my legs on July 5, and from that time on I used to be in a position to improve my power pretty shortly.”
Matsuda stated that the plan was to focus on a return to racing for this weekend’s Fuji spherical from an early stage, however admits that he is not but again at 100% health.
“After I moved from Yokkaichi Medical Centre to Suzuka Kaisei Hospital, we mentioned what can be finest to permit me to get again to racing in August,” he defined.
“Relating to the torn muscular tissues, we established how lengthy it might take for the muscular tissues to restore themselves, and till that point I used to be cautious to not transfer them.
“That interval was lengthy, so I used to be getting impatient, however I adopted the plan that the docs had put collectively, the rehabilitation went nicely and at last it was determined I might take part this weekend.
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“It could be a deceive say I’m at 100% health. I might say I’m at 70 or 80 %. My left leg [braking leg] is sort of again to 100%. My proper leg is greater than 50 %.
“Even after I wasn’t in a position to make use of my legs, I used to be in a position to prepare utilizing a hand cycle, so I believe I must be okay by way of stamina.”
Matsuda and Quintarelli sit third within the GT500 standings heading to Fuji regardless of the Suzuka crash, having received the opening race of the season at Okayama and ending seventh in Might’s second spherical at Fuji.
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