The Brazilian, who underwent emergency surgery on Saturday night to repair two fractures of his skull, will remain in Budapest's military hospital but doctors are 'reassured' by the progress he is making.

Massa was hit by an object during Saturday's qualifying session, which was later determined to be a piece of rear suspension that had broken off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car. The impact had knocked Massa unconscious, and his Ferrari ploughed into the tyre barriers at Turn 4 at full speed.

Massa was subsequently flown to a Budapest hospital, and sat out Sunday's race. He underwent surgery for the skull fractures and concussion, and was put in an induced coma for 48 hours.

Doctors at the hospital have now said that the Brazilian's condition is improving, although he is expected to be out for six weeks at least.

"He's woken up more and more often now and he's able to communicate actively, that is, he reacts when he's talked to. We are optimistic, in our hope a slow recovery is beginning," spokesman Istvan Bocskai told Hungarian television.

A Ferrari spokesman said: "Felipe had a quiet night. He is okay, and he is due to have another CT scan today."

Doctors at the hospital were encouraged by the positive results of Sunday's first CT scan following surgery, with the hope Massa continues to show steady improvement.