Da Matta, talking, walking as recovery progresses
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-09-01 13:33 Brazilian Champ Car driver
Cristiano da Matta can speak in both English and Portuguese and walk with some
help as his recovery from a serious head injury progresses, his team said.
In a statement posted on their website, da Matta's RuSport team said the
Brazilian driver is expected to move from the Theda Clark Medical Center in
Neenah, Wisconsin, to a rehabilitation facility soon.
"Cristiano has made excellent progress in the past several days," said Champ
Car medical director Chris Pinderski, who visited da Matta in Wisconsin on
Wednesday. "Although he is still somewhat confused, 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. We anticipate that Cristiano will be ready to make the
transition to a rehabilitation setting next week."
Da Matta was injured on August 3 when he collided at high speed with a deer
on the Road America track during a Champ Car test session.
He required emergency surgery for bleeding on the brain.
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