Recovering Massa to remain in Hungary for now - doctor

Injured Brazilian F1 driver Felipe Massa is to remain in hospital in Hungary for the time being while he recovers from his horror crash, his Brazilian doctor Dino Altman said yesterday.

"For now, he is going to stay in Hungary. The goal is that he gets stronger. But I think he is going home from here," Altman said in his daily update on Massa's condition.

No decision had yet been taken on when he 28-year-old Ferrari driver would eventually leave, the doctor added.

Altman denied speculation that Massa could be transferred to Paris to be treated by French orthopaedic surgeon and FIA doctor, Gerard Saillant, although that option had been considered.

Saillant had been staying in Budapest and had examined Massa, but was set to leave the Hungarian capital yesterday, Altman said.

Massa, for his part, was in good spirits, even if he "looks like a boxer," the doctor said.

"He talks a lot and is cracking jokes," Altman said.

"When he heard, for example, that German champion Michael Schumacher was stepping in for him, Felipe said: 'We'll see if I let him drive that car'," the doctor said. "Racing is all he can think of."

Seven-time world champion driver Schumacher, who retired in 2006, announced on Wednesday he would make a return to Formula One to replace Massa for the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23 and possibly for the remainder of the season.

Massa suffered severe injuries when he was struck at around 27a5 kph by a spring that flew off compatriot Rubens Barrichello's Brawn car during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday.

The 28-year-old driver underwent surgery for skull damage immediately.

He was taken out of intensive care on Wednesday.