Felipe Massa’s personal doctor has given more positive news about the Brazilian driver’s condition and expects the 28 year old to make a full time return to Grand Prix racing.
Dino Altmann has claimed that any initial fears, concerning the injuries sustained during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, have proven unfounded and that Massa’s condition continues to improve dramatically.
“I have no doubt Felipe will race again,” Altmann told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’m sure of that.
“The situation is still delicate, but I believe his life is not in danger anymore. From the beginning I felt that the trauma wasn’t as extended as it was believed, but the improvements of the last hours have gone beyond our wildest expectations.”
Altmann also moved to dispel any fears that Massa had suffered long-term damage to his left eye, claiming that tests had proven that the Brazilian could make full use of his eye in distinguishing left from right, distance and depth.
“His eye has been opened, with care because it is still swollen, and he has said he can see. His vision has not weakened.”
The news comes hours after it emerged that Formula One supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, does not expect Massa to make a return to the field this year.
“It’s difficult to say whether or not he’s going to be in a position to compete this year,” Ecclestone told Autosport online. “Next year I don’t know, but I doubt we’ll see him this year.
“One thing that’s good is that they are very hopeful that the eye is not anywhere near as bad as they thought.”
