Champ Car driver Cristiano da Matta has not yet fully regained consciousness, but his condition continues to improve as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin. The Brazilian was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America on August 3, and has been at Theda Clark ever since, with his family at his side.

Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski flew back to Wisconsin today to monitor the condition of da Matta. The following statement is an update from Pinderski on da Matta's medical status:

"Cristiano still continues to show daily improvement while in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. His is becoming more alert each day and has been removed from the ventilator that was providing respiratory support since his accident. It is anticipated that he will be transferred from intensive care to a step-down unit in the next 24-48 hours where his recovery will continue."

During the past weekend's Grand Prix of Denver, fans of da Matta and his team RuSPORT turned out en masse to show their support. The team received a substantial amount of cards, gifts and well-wishes throughout the weekend.

"We were overwhelmed by the concern and support for Cristiano that we saw in Denver," said RuSPORT president Jeremy Dale. "RuSPORT would like to thank all of the fans for the support they have given to Cristiano and his family though this difficult time. It's very comforting to the team and to the da Matta family to know that the fans care so much about Cristiano."