Domenicali buoyed by Massa progress

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali says Felipe Massa is continuing to make “very encouraging” progress in his recovery from the injuries he suffered in his July 25 accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Massa sustained a fractured skull and brain concussion when he was hit in the helmet by an 800g spring that had fallen off Rubens Barrichello’s car, but after undergoing successful surgery was discharged from hospital nine days later.

Domenicali visited the 28-year-old Brazilian at his home in Sao Paulo today (Sunday) and told Ferrari’s website: “Felipe is in excellent form and his recovery is going very well.

“I’m very happy about Felipe’s state.

“The medical checks which have been carried out over the last two weeks continue to be very encouraging."

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that Massa has set himself the target of rejoining the F1 fray in time for Ferrari's home race at Monza in mid-September, but the team has not put any timeframe on his return.

Domenicali said: “Now it’s important to be patient and take one step at a time, without any hurry.”

Ferrari’s long-serving test driver Luca Badoer will deputise for Massa at the forthcoming European Grand Prix in Valencia after Michael Schumacher cancelled his comeback plans due to an unresolved neck injury.

Source: ITV