Filip Salac undergoes successful arm pump surgery
After encountering a persistent arm pump issue during pre-season testing and the opening round of the 2024 Moto2 World Championship in Qatar, Elf Marc VDS Racing Team rider Filip Salac has completed successful surgery [March 14] on his right forearm.
Salac was operated on by a specialist team led Dr Xavier Mir at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona to relieve Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome, which is commonly known as arm pump.
The 22-year-old underwent surgery last December in the Czech Republic to resolve an arm pump issue he encountered in the final races of an intense 2023 season. Unfortunately, Salac’s symptoms have returned and after consulting Dr Mir and MotoGP Medical Director Dr Angel Chartre, the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team agreed the best action was to undertake a second procedure.
With just over a week before the start of the Grand Prix of Portugal in Portimao, the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team has decided Salac will not participate in round two at the Algarve International Circuit so he can concentrate on making a full recovery before next month’s Austin race in Texas.
Filip Salac
“The operation has gone very well and I’m feeling fine”
“I had an operation during the winter to try and solve my arm pump problems but unfortunately once I started riding again in pre-season the issue returned. The pain and discomfort made it very difficult for me to ride over longer distances at round one in Qatar. I had a long discussion with the medical team in Barcelona and it seems the problem was not fixed, and the best solution was to have a second operation. The operation has gone very well and I’m feeling fine although I’m extremely sad and disappointed to know I will not be able to race in Portimao. I am sorry to the team and to our great sponsors and thank everybody for their understanding and support as they have made it clear from the beginning that my well-being is the main priority for them. I will now work hard to recover quickly so I can get back on track and perform at my highest level as soon as possible.”
Marc Van Der Straten
“Filip’s health and rehabilitation are a number one priority for us”
“It is a great shame to learn that the consequences of an unresolved issue require a new surgical intervention and the absence of Filip from a Grand Prix. However, his health and rehabilitation are a number one priority for us. It is a pity that Filip must go through this situation, but we are convinced that it was the right decision to ensure both his well-being now and to ensure he can perform at his optimum level for the rest of the season. I am very happy that the operation has been a success, and I am convinced that in a very short time we will be able to enjoy Filip’s talent at the controls of our bike again. Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors for their understanding and trust, knowing that we are always looking out for the best interest of all parties.”
