SPORTS

Massa remains in critical state

07-27-2009 | AFP

Panama Star Peter Bazso, the AEK hospital medical director, told reporters that Massa would be kept sedated until Monday, but will be woken up periodically during that time.

When asked whether Massa's life remained in danger, Bazso answered: "Yes, of course."

Bazso said doctors were able to "remove the broken bones and stabilize the area," procedures required to treat "an open skull fracture and a contusion" that Massa received during a crash in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday.

He did not speculate how long it would take Massa to recover, or whether there would be any long-term effects of the injury.

"At the moment, we have to overcome this life-threatening condition," Bazso said, adding that a CT scan revealed "expected results after an operation of this type." Massa's parents and wife arrived at the hospital Sunday after flying in from Brazil, and doctors woke Massa temporarily to check on his condition and so that he could see his family.

Team principal Stefano Domenicali and several Ferrari staff were also on hand to support Massa's family, which included pregnant wife Anna Rafaela.

During Sunday's race, Ferrari's garage displayed a banner reading "Forza Felipe Siamo Con Te" — or "Be Strong Felipe, We Are With You."