According to as.com, the improvement of the health condition of Juan Cruz Jacopini, the Argentinean athlete of the Dakar rally team Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, shows “encouraging signs”. He is able to breathe on his own, although his condition is still described as critical.
Good news comes from Argentina about the 26-year-old’s health. The Toyota team driver, who was considered one of the favorites for the 2026 Dakar Rally (he finished 7th this year), is still in hospital after a serious accident that took place last Friday, ruling him out of the race. Although his condition remains critical, the latest medical report shows positive progress.
After 48 hours, during which the extent of the injuries were assessed, the doctors reduced the sedation, and Iacopini’s reaction was very positive. In addition, he was taken off artificial respiration.
Foto: Toyota Gazoo Racing
“By reducing sedation, the young person is conscious and responsive.” announced the clinic where the pilot was taken after the accident in the city of Mendoza and where he remains in the intensive care unit. “He is able to breathe on his own after being taken off the ventilator, which is a significant improvement in the delicate clinical situation he is going through.” the clinic said in a statement.
Currently, the main concern of doctors is related to the extent of damage to the spinal cord. The initial evaluation mentioned possible injuries in the area of the cervical vertebrae C1 and C2, which could mean damage to the spinal cord.
“The condition of the spinal cord continues to be closely and continuously monitored – this is a central aspect that will determine the next steps in treatment.” add the doctors.
Photo: FIA
Despite the seriousness of the situation, doctors continue to send cautiously optimistic signals: ”The observed improvements are encouraging signs in the critical evaluation period that the Mendoza athlete is going through.”
Iacopini had the accident last Friday when he hit his head with great force while jumping into a shallow area of water. While relaxing with his friends, the pilot, while driving a motorboat, jumped into the water in a place with a shallow depth, where he also suffered a severe head injury. Iacopini reportedly went into cardiac and respiratory arrest after the fall. Friends administered first aid until emergency medical services arrived. Medics managed to resuscitate the athlete and take him to the hospital, from where he was later transferred to Mendoza. As a result of the accident, the pilot suffered spinal cord shock and a neck injury, the extent of which is still being assessed by doctors.
His participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally is completely ruled out, as already confirmed on social networks by his Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa team. “All our thoughts are with Iacopini, his family and loved ones following this sad news of his accident. We hold him in our hearts and wish him strength and a speedy recovery,” wrote the team about the FIA Baja World Cup Champion.
