2009.07.27. 19:23
Formula 1 racer Massa condition improves, off ventilator
Budapest - Brazilian racer Felipe Massa, a driver in the Ferrari Formula-1 team has been taken off the ventilator and was able to speak to his family on Monday afternoon, two days after being severely injured during time trials at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Andor Grosz, deputy head of Budapest's State Health Centre, the hospital where Massa was treated, said that Massa's condition had improved significantly.
Massa suffered a fractured skull after a loose part from the car of Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello struck his helmet on Saturday afternoon.
He was brought to the track's medical centre, then taken by helicopter to the Budapest hospital where he underwent surgery.
"No additional operation will be necessary and his condition is expected to further improve," Grosz said. Chances are good that Massa can make a full recovery, he added.
A family spokesman said they were completely satisfied with local treatments in Budapest and had no plans to get Massa transferred to another city despite earlier reports that he would be taken to Paris for further treatment.
Massa has been competing in Formula-1 since 2002, participating in 116 races so far, winning 11 and starting from pole position 15 times.
