Formula One news

Da Matta out of coma

Former Toyota F1 driver Cristiano da Matta has come out of a coma and can now walk and talk, Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski has said.

The 32-year-old was involved in a freak accident at a Champ Car test on August 3 when his RuSPORT car struck a deer at Road America in Elkhart Lake. The Brazilian suffered serious head injuries and has been recovering ever since at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin.

However after almost a month in intensive care, Pinderski reported on Wednesday that da Matta is making "excellent progress".

"Although he is still somewhat confused," Pinderski explained, "he is now conversational in both English and Portuguese."

"Additionally, he has started to walk on his own for short periods of time with minimal assistance."

Pinderski revealed also that da Matta should be ready to start rehabilitation next week.

more news

• 09 Jul.
  • FIA: FOTA knew the situation
  • Photos: Thursday at the Nurburgring
  • GPUpdate TV: Webber: "I can keep up with Vettel"
  • A lap at the Nurburgring with Adrian Sutil
  • Alonso gets set for Oviedo Roadshow in September
  • Massa ready for football match
  • Insight: Nürburgring's effects on tyres
• 08 Jul.
  • FOTA explains reasons for walkout
  • FOTA teams walk out of FIA meeting
  • Räikkönen hoping for more luck
  • Brawn awarded for 'Outstanding Contribution'
  • FIA: All 13 teams must agree on changes
  • Top eight the target for Sutil
  • FOTA pledges to listen to fans more
  • GPUpdate TV: Nürburgring track guide
• 07 Jul.
  • 'New teams forced to use Cosworth'
  • Villeneuve still keen to return
  • Button on top form, admits Webber
  • Vatanen bidding for Mosley FIA job
  • End of holidays for Williams drivers
  • Piquet expecting rain in Germany
  • Lack of points 'a bit frustrating', says Fisichella
  • Fuji gives up F1 race
  • 'Another chance' for Toyota points
• 06 Jul.
  • Vettel more 'comfortable' at home
  • New aerodynamic components at Renault
  • Mallya hoping for better qualifying
  • Alonso looking for 'magic' solution
  • Trulli recognises importance of next race
  • GPUpdate TV: Wilson collects first Dale Coyne win
  • Racing takes priority for Hartley
  • Photos: Goodwood Festival of Speed
• 05 Jul.
  • Barrichello aiming to win again
  • Hamilton unable to drive Senna's McLaren
  • Updated double diffuser for BMW
• 04 Jul.
  • Problem analysis a strong point, says Brawn
  • Kovalainen hails 'great' circuit
  • Home Grand Prix looms for Heidfeld
• 03 Jul.
  • Campos driver announcement expected in August
  • World's fastest rollercoaster at Nürburgring

Homepage