F1 driver is improving

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Formula One driver Felipe Massa was awake and talking to family members Monday, making significant improvement after his high-speed crash two days earlier.

The chief surgeon at AEK hospital said Massa is now breathing unassisted and moving his limbs. In addition, a drain from his skull wound was removed.

Chief surgeon Lajos Zsiros said the 28-year-old Brazilian is groggy but able to answer questions. Zsiros says further improvement can be expected.

Zsiros said Massa didn’t have a fever and remained in stable condition in the military hospital’s intensive care unit alongside family members, including wife Anna Rafaela.

Massa crashed into a tire barrier at 120 mph Saturday during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix and was near death for two days.

“Felipe is awake. He’s very well and everyone is very happy with his condition,” said Massa’s family doctor, Dino Altman. “He wants to know what happened to him and he answered some questions.”

Altman ruled out Massa being transferred from Budapest, with doctors suggesting Massa would have to remain at least a week to 10 days.

Raffaela, Massa’s wife who is six months pregnant with their first child, doesn’t think he will have any long-term physical injuries and hopes he can return to racing.

“He is doing good,” she told Brazil’s Globo TV. “Soon he will be giving joy to all in his little red car on the speedway.”

Massa’s father, Luiz Antonio, told The Associated Press he remained “very optimistic” following Massa’s improvement.

Massa had multiple skull fractures in the accident and experienced some brain swelling. Dr. Robert Veres, part of the three-man crew that performed the two-hour operation, said Massa would not be able to race again this season. The Brazilian’s long-term career plans are also uncertain.

“I don’t know [if he can return],” Veres said. “It’s too early to say anything concerning his future.”

Massa was struck by a loose part from another car that bounced up and hit him in the helmet, causing a concussion. Several fragments of bone from the skull had to be removed during the operation.