Ferrari optimistic over Massa

Fears that Felipe Massa's Formula One career could be over following his freak accident in Hungary last weekend were eased when a Ferrari spokesman delivered further good news regarding his recovery.

Massa is in a serious but stable condition at the AEK military hospital in Budapest after being struck on the head by a spring that had fallen from the back of Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car during Saturday's qualifying session at the Hungaroring.

"He is getting better. He spoke to several people in three different languages. He was giving coherent answers to people so the signs are improving," Ferrari's official spokesman, Luca Colajanni said.

"He was also able to open his left eye and he could see out of it.

"So there are only positive signs at present."

Massa has shown significant improvement in the past 36 hours after undergoing emergency surgery and subsequently being placed into a medically-induced coma to aid his recuperation from a double skull fracture.

The first signs of his recovery came on Monday when he was brought out of the coma and he has since been able to coherently respond to well-wishers at his bedside.

Such has been the rapid improvement in Massa's condition that Peter Bazso, the medical director of the AEK military hospital, claimed the 28-year-old might be able to walk out of hospital in 10 days' time.

Colajanni played down those comments, however, saying: "I think that he improved a lot but we have to remain cautious. It is not useful to put forecasts on these things. I think for the moment we should just enjoy the positive improvements that Felipe is making."

Colajanni also admitted it was "possible" seven-time champion Michael Schumacher could replace Massa on a short-term basis while the Brazilian continues his recovery.