Massa's condition improves, exits coma

Felipe Massa is continuing to improve in hospital after doctors confirmed that the Ferrari driver is now out of his induced coma and communicating with his family.

The Brazilian driver suffered a fractured skull when he was hit by debris from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, and underwent emergency surgery on his injuries in the AEK Hospital.

Massa was taken out of his artificially-induced coma on Monday after his condition improved, with the Ferrari driver starting to communicate with those around him.

"In the last 24 hours, some major changes have gone through in the condition of Felipe Massa," Dr Lajos Zsiros said on Monday evening. "His condition remains stable. We have ended sedation and taken him off his respirator.

"Felipe is sleepy but has been able to reply to questions and he has been able to move his arms and legs."

Comments from fellow medics earlier on Monday has suggested that Massa's F1 career could be at risk following the accident as a result of damage sustained to his left eye.

However, with Massa currently unable to open his eye, doctors have been unable to conduct full examinations of any potential damage.

As a result, talk that an injury could end his career remains premature, with medics hopeful that the Brazilian will make a full recovery.