Since the first Clinica Mobile opened in 1977, the installation has gone from strength to strength and undergone an incredible evolution. At the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the new-look Clinica Mobile for 2018 has been unveiled – offering more space, more facilities and even better care.
The new facility, thanks to an innovative structural concept, means the Clinica is now able to provide one medical room, two rooms for physiotherapy, one room for rehab and relaxation, a spectacular terrace, a reception area and two offices: one for Dr Michele Zasa, Head of the Clinica Mobile, and one for Dr Angel Charte, MotoGP™ Medical Director – allowing even better integration between the Clinica and Quirónsalud MotoGP™ Medical Direction. The 210 square metre structure covers two floors, and took six months to construct.
Clinica Mobile can count on a staff of 25 people who work on rotation at every GP: six physiotherapists, one doctor, two trauma and orthopaedic surgeons and one radiographer come to all races to provide general medicine, physiotherapy, rehabilitation therapy and traumatology and orthopaedic consultations. The Clinica is equipped to provide x-rays, cryotherapy, laser therapy, magnetotherapy and tecar therapy – again underlining its importance and status as a vital part of the paddock.
“Thanks to Quirónsalud, Dorna and the rest of the partners of the Clinica Mobile, our service to the riders and all the personnel of the paddock will be better than ever – with more space, more equipment and more resources. We are honoured to have Quirónsalud on board as our main sponsor, and we are sure that together we will continue to bring the best service to our athletes,” says Michele Zasa, Head of the Clinica Mobile.
Julio Fernández-Llamazares, Quirónsalud Director of Communications and External Relations, says: “Without doubt, we’re following a natural evolution in order to maintain the high standard of excellence both within our hospitals and at sporting events for which we are the official medical service.”
“The new Clinica Mobile allows us to offer a professional healthcare service along the same lines as within my professional life at the University Hospital Dexeus,” adds Dr. Ángel Charte.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, says: “When we first became involved in MotoGP in 1992, one of the key things we wanted to improve was safety. With a facility such as the Clinica Mobile, the World Championship continues getting safer and safer, and we’ve taken a huge step forward during recent years. This evolution and new facility assures the level of care will remain incredibly high for both the riders and the personnel in the paddock during each race weekend.”
"The Clinica Mobile increases safety when we're racing," says Marc Marquez, reigning MotoGP™ World Champion. "For every rider it's very important, because most of the time after crashing we depend on them to enable us to compete. It's where our 'guardian angels' really are."
"The work of Michele Zasa and all the team is exceptional, and they give you the assurance that you can count on them in any situation," adds Jorge Lorenzo, three-time MotoGP™ World Champion. "The time we spend at the Clinica Mobile are not always pleasant, because it's often after a crash, but they always provide excellent treatment and the best possible response. That's key for every rider."
"For the riders, having the Clinica Mobile is a guarantee," affirms Andrea Dovizioso. "They are always willing to help you with everything and this gives great peace of mind. The Clinica Mobile is one of the keys to the Championship working as well as it does."
Dani Pedrosa agrees: "The Clinica Mobile is a key element in the paddock for all riders, we almost always have some small physical discomfort and being able to count on the experience of a team of professionals like the Clinica Mobile is vital to enable us to give our best on track. Sometimes on track we subject ourselves to extreme physical situations, but we know we're in good hands and that's a great help to us."
"Going to the Clinica Mobile during the Grand Prix helps us to relax muscles but also reduce the mental tension of a Grand Prix weekend," adds Maverick Viñales. "You can also talk to the physio and for a while it allows you to disconnect from the sporting side, and that's also important."
"Having the Clinica Mobile, above all, gives us peace of mind," says Pol Espargaró. "We know that in the day to day we can go to them for anything: a physical problem, a massage, even if you have a cold, and we can treat these problems thanks to them. And we need it much more when we have an injury, or we have been newly operated upon. Unfortunately, I've experienced this a few times; physically very hard weekends, and the Clinica Mobile provides the necessary relief. And, above all, they know us and they know what the riders need."
After the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the paddock will next head for the Motul Dutch TT at Assen.
After the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the paddock will next head for the Motul Dutch TT at Assen.