"His condition has improved significantly over the last 24 hours and he remains stable," Lajos Zsiros, chief surgeon of the Hungarian defence forces told a press conference. "We have ended sedation and taken him off the respirator.”
Massa suffered a fractured skull during Saturdays qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, after being hit by a spring from another car. He was flown from the Hungaroring circuit to the AEK military hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
"He is still sleepy, but has been able to reply to questions and has been able to move his limbs adequately," continued Zsiros, who went on to explain that it was likely to be at least a week before doctors could be sure that Massa has avoided lasting injury, though he stressed that a full recovery was possible.
Responding to reports of potential damage to Massas left eye, Zsiros said it was too soon to confirm or deny this as the Brazilian is not yet able to open the eye sufficiently to allow for his vision to be examined. This should change over the next few days.
Massa will remain in intensive care, though doctors have no plans for further sedation and his condition is expected to continue to improve. His wife, his parents, his brother and his friend and manager Nicolas Todt spent Monday night at the hospital, where they will meet Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali on Tuesday.
