Cristiano da Matta has been transferred out of the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Centre in Neenah, Wisconsin.

His condition has improved significantly over the past few days, though he is still not completely conscious, responsive or able to speak.

The Brazilian was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake during a Champ Car Open Test on August 3, and has been at Theda Clark ever since, with his family and several members of the Champ Car community at his side.

Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski has been in constant contact with the medical staff at Theda Clark to monitor Cristiano's condition: "Cristiano is still making daily progress while recovering," said Pinderski. "Yesterday, he was transferred out of the intensive care unit to an intermediate care unit at Theda Clark Medical Centre. We will now begin the process of planning for longer term rehabilitation which is necessary after significant head injuries."

da Matta's teammate, Justin Wilson travelled to Neenah yesterday with RuSPORT president Jeremy Dale, to visit da Matta and his family. "Justin and I are both very happy to see the improvement in Cristiano's condition," said Dale. "The staff here at Theda Clark has told us that he is making remarkable progress, and that is encouraging to us and to the da Matta family."