F1: Felipe Massa Awake, Talking, Out Of Immediate Danger

Its something of a relief to be able to say that reports from the Budapest hospital where Felipe Massa is being treated are starting to look positive. Initial reports were confusing, with most early reports suggesting that the hospital visit was routine. However pictures of the Brazilian being lifted from his car showed significant damage to his helmet and injury to the left side of his face around the eye socket. The contrast between the staring, shock of the right eye and completely closed left eye was particularly worrying, suggesting major head trauma and so it transpired when the hospital reported that his injuries were life-threatening.

Most telling of all was Rob Smedley's emotion-filled interview with the BBC on Sunday night where he spoke of "some hope" where none had existed the previous day. The close bond between the pair was clearly evident as was Smedley's distress.

Reports from AEK Hospital this evening suggest that whilst not out of the woods by any stretch, Felipe's condition has improved measurably, he is speaking and able to move his arms and legs. Its likely to be a minimum of a couple of weeks before a long term assessment of his injuries can be made. The most worrying currently being damage to his left eye, although no assessment of his vision can be made until the eye can be opened sufficiently.

Unfortunately it is likely that this accident will end Felipe's career as a Grand Prix driver, which given the situation on Saturday still seems a miraculous escape. It makes the events of Brazil last year even more poignant. However we can say that for nearly forty seconds on November 2nd 2008 Felipe was World Champion and I don't think there's a single person in the sport who would begrudge him that. If he has run his last race then its fitting that the last of his victories came at that Brazilian race, his second win at his home Grand Prix (matching the achievements of Fittipaldi, Piquet and Senna) both won at a canter from pole position to chequered flag.