Massa to return to Brazil

Felipe Massa is to return home to Sao Paulo on Monday just nine days after fracturing his skull in a freak accident.

Massa has made a swift recovery from life-saving surgery required on Saturday after the accident during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Massa was struck by a suspension spring that had worked its way off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP, resulting in the Brazilian crashing his Ferrari into a tyre barrier.

After the operation, Massa spent two days in a medically-induced coma, but since waking earlier this week, has improved rapidly.

Speaking at the AEK military hospital in Budapest, Massa's personal doctor, Dino Altmann, confirmed the 28-year-old is to head home via private plane on Monday.

"Felipe continues to improve," said Altmann. "He is doing very well, and we have already decided to go back home on Monday to Sao Paulo."

It had been suggested after a few days surrounded by family and friends in Brazil, Massa would then attend the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris to continue his rehabilitation.

The clinic is where Michael Schumacher was treated after breaking his leg in an accident at the British Grand Prix 10 years ago.

However, Altmann has maintained there is no requirement for Massa to fly to Paris, and instead he will now focus on his recuperation at home.

"He is to continue his recovery and return to racing as soon as possible, that's the plan," added Altmann. "He is in a very good mood, good shape, and he just wants to come back soon."

On Wednesday, Ferrari turned to Schumacher as a replacement for Massa until the latter is fit enough to return.