Massa likely to discharged soon

SAO PAULO/BUDAPEST - The condition of Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa is improving following his crash on the weekend and he could probably leave hospital soon, his doctor said.

There was no indication of any problems in rehabilitation, the Brazilian news portal globo.com quoted doctor Dino Altman as saying Monday evening.

Altman said while it was difficult to make precise statements, he believed that Massa could return home within one week.

Massa remains in intensive care following his crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix Saturday. The 28-year-old is able to move his arms and legs, doctors said, but there are concerns that an injury to his eye could affect the Ferrari driver’s future career.

The Brazilian suffered a skull fracture after a spring from fellow Brazilian Rubens Barrichello’s Brawn GP car broke loose and struck him on the helmet.

Massa subsequently crashed head on into a tyre barrier at a speed of about 190 kilometres per hour. He underwent emergency surgery on Sunday after being rushed by helicopter from the Hungaroring to hospital.

The Ferrari driver may also be moved from Budapest to the Paris clinic of Gerard Saillant, who treated Brazilian football star Ronaldo and former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher in the past.

Luis Antonio Massa said if his son’s recovery proceeded at the same speed he could be moved out of intensive care in two days.