The 2016 season is now over, and everyone is about to indulge in the activities specific to the winter break: Monza Rally for some, Lamborghini Super Trofeo for the others, Honda Thanks Day for some and even Karting for our Belgian friends, to name only the activities planned this weekend…
So let's take advantage of this news which takes on a holiday feel, to have a (big) thought for those who have not yet returned home, still stuck in Australia for more than a month now due to respiratory problems as a result. of its very impressive fall of which we have offered you a Picture gallery.
Awaiting a next operation, and especially a check on his recovery from his lung problem which, until now, has prevented him from flying, John Mc Phee would like to thank all those who have not forgotten...
John McPhee: " Hello everyone,
Now that the season has come to an end, I want to thank everyone, including my fans who helped and supported me during this roller coaster season.
Looking back on this year, I really have to thank a lot of people and be very grateful to them, starting with Enrico, and everyone at Peugeot, for giving me the opportunity to be their factory driver. It was an honor to win my first GP in a Peugeot, bringing them their first victory since 1906!
When Florian Prustel and his father became the new owners of the team, mid-season, they really pulled the whole team up, in all areas. It was a big step for them to take, but fortunately their passion for the team and the sport pushed us to continue the rest of the season even stronger than we started. Our sport needs people like them, and I wish them the best.
I enjoyed working with everyone on the Prustel GP team. We all moved forward throughout the year, and had very good results at the end of the season. My biggest thank you has to go to my crew chief, Mark Keen, for always doing his best and getting the best out of the bike. We both have to thank my mechanics, Alejandro and Diego, all the guys at Mahindra for their support, Alex and Ohlins, and all the people at Dunlop.
A late season stuck here in Melbourne was definitely not the way I expected to end my year, but I'm on the mend and making progress every day. I have returned to the gym for some light training and am looking forward to getting back in top shape. My second operation is scheduled for December 2.
I will have the pins removed from my thumb and the next day my chest and lungs will be examined. If all goes well, I will be home on December 5th. Although I'm stuck here, there are definitely worse places than this. Melbourne is a big city and I was able to visit it, which is not something I usually get to do. I am very grateful to Victor (with me in the photo) and Jenny Soussan for taking care of me while I am here, and for making me feel at home in their house.
Luckily, my family also came to visit me a few times, which was great considering they had to travel from the other side of the world.
I owe a huge thank you to Peter Ball and others at the Racing Steps Foundation, as well as my sponsors: Walker Macleod, Caladen, Vroom Media, Cairngorm stoves, PolePositionTravel, Ducati Glasgow, Scorpion, IXS, Knox and Alpinestars. Without your help and support, this season would not have been possible.
To all of you who have read this, thank you for all your support and messages. It really means a lot to me to know that you are all there for me. I can't wait to get back into shape and see you again in 2017. I'll keep you posted on how my training goes over the winter once I'm back home.
John »
