A medical prosthesis will be installed under the Italian driver’s glove as Gianmarco Ercoli receives the green light to return behind the wheel of Alumitec Racing’s No. 11.
Three weeks after a dramatic but ultimately triumphant weekend at Most, Gianmarco Ercoli has received the green light from both his doctors and Alumitec Racing to return to competition. The Italian driver will be back behind the wheel of the No. 11 Alumitec Racing car, ready to fight in front of his home fans in Italy.
To make his return possible while providing additional protection to his injured right index finger, a specially adapted medical prosthesis will be installed underneath Ercoli’s racing glove. The protective device is designed to stabilize and protect the injured area while allowing him to maintain the control and precision required inside the race car.
Ercoli sustained the injury three weeks ago at Most following contact with the No. 34 car driven by Thomas Toffel. Medical examinations following the incident revealed a significant injury: a displaced fracture of the right index finger involving three fragments.
Ercoli explained the diagnosis shortly afterward:
“Hi, guys, the tests showed that I’ve fractured the index finger on my right hand. It’s a displaced fracture with three fragments.”
The injury came during an extraordinary weekend for Ercoli and Alumitec Racing. Despite the incident, the Italian delivered a spectacular victory at Most, demonstrating the determination that has characterized his season.
Since then, the priority has been recovery.
Over the past three weeks, Ercoli’s condition has been closely monitored. The team wanted to ensure that his return would only take place after receiving the appropriate medical clearance and after confirming that adequate protection could be provided for his injured finger.
That green light has now officially arrived. Grande Gimmie is back.
The medical prosthesis positioned beneath his glove will provide additional stabilization and protection. Racing places considerable forces through a driver’s hands—from steering inputs and vibration to rapid corrections—and protecting the injured finger has therefore been an essential part of preparing Ercoli’s return.
For the Italian driver, the timing could hardly be more meaningful.
After leaving the Czech Republic as a race winner but carrying a fractured finger, Ercoli will now make his comeback on home soil, surrounded by Italian supporters and with important championship points at stake.
The return of the No. 11 also represents an important moment for the entire Alumitec Racing organization. Having Ercoli back in the cockpit provides the team with another major boost heading into a crucial stage of the NASCAR Euro Series season.
There will undoubtedly be emotion when the Italian climbs back into the No. 11.
Three weeks ago, he celebrated a brilliant victory at Most before beginning an unexpected race against time to recover.
Now the doctors have given their approval. The team has given its approval. The medical protection is ready.
The No. 11 is ready. Italy is waiting.
Grande Gimmie is back — and Gianmarco Ercoli is ready to fight in front of his home crowd.
