Any updates on da Matta?

[luke]

Does anyone know of any updates of Cristiano da Matta? Just I'm dying to know how he's recovering and I HOPE he can be fit to race this year. HOPE that is.

[mountainstar]

Last I heard there were no plans to race this year at a minimum. Which I think is wise considering what happened. My own personal opinion is that it is unlikely he'll ever race an open wheel car ever again.

[Kieran20]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Last I heard there were no plans to race this year at a minimum. Which I think is wise considering what happened. My own personal opinion is that it is unlikely he'll ever race an open wheel car ever again.

i personally dont swee why not if makes a full recovery. im dont know much bout how da matta is recovering but i was sure they said he would make full recovery?

if so dont see why he cant return to open wheel, as long as he doesnt have any thoughts in the back of his mind!

[Suze]

I'm not sure he'll never race an open wheel car again - what happened was a freak accident but it depends how he deals with that mentally - if he can deal with that and physically recovers well enough as well I see no reason why he can't / won't return but it's the mental side of things that will really make the difference I think.

[blueflagger]

Last I read, he was back home with friends and family but still undergoing some physical therapy. He could remember everything up to, but not including, the deer encounter. Sorry I can't remember the source to cite it but it was a motor racing news website.

[Davhut]

From what I understand his racing days are done. Couldn't tolerate another trauma to the head.

[Suze]

where did you get that from?

[Knowlesy]

It wouldn't surprise me if he didn't race again, certainly not OW anyways. It's very difficult to return from this type of thing as there are often increased risks involved.

However, I will keep my fingers crossed he does make a return in some form or another. Tin-tops maybe, if he can't do OW?

[Suze]

Mm sportscar stuff, LM / ALMS etc is still fun...! Wonder if he would be tempted.

[DarrellB]

There is alot of speculation as to his condition, better if you want to keep up to date to look here http://www.damatta.com/

[badgerbaiter]

Originally Posted by DarrellB

There is alot of speculation as to his condition, better if you want to keep up to date to look here http://www.damatta.com/

yup, this thread seems to be more full of speculation and guesswork than any actual facts.
anyone know anything for sure?

[badgerbaiter]

here is a (computer) translation of da matta's last post on his website (november)

its not very good english, but you get the drift

Good morning to everybody. I have a small story for count.

Gustavo, my brother, that helped me very, bringing up to date the site with the news of the my recuperation, come back it work, after two months me helping and accompanying my handling very of nearby. By that, has walking busy, me leaving responsible by the site.

It like to thank God and to everybody by the positive thought and given support to me in this difficult moment. The result of this current positive is that I am practically 100% healthy, leading a normal life and focado in my recuperation all the time.

Graces to the physiotherapy, already I recuperated entirely the movement of my shoulder, however still necessary work a little more in the force. My physiotherapists and my doctors are enough satisfied with the speed of the my recuperation. I am very happy by already be apt it do all the things that amuse myself, as touch guitar, ride a bicycle in the roll, run on foot and take advantage of all that time in Beautiful Horizon with my family, friends and girlfriend.

Like this that will have more news, I come back it write. Again, it obliged!

[Suze]

There is an English language option as well for the website, which gives a (slightly) better translation

[badgerbaiter]

Originally Posted by Suze

There is an English language option as well for the website, which gives a (slightly) better translation

yeah i clicked on that twice and nothing happened.. must be good old firefox

[Suze]

Hms fine in IE, can't seem to direct link I'm afraid, apologies!

Hope for another update soon...

[racinthestreets]

I had a difficult time with the English tab. It would keep opening in spainish. After four attempts it appeared in English. Don't know if this is acceptable but here it is:

"11.29 10:54am | Cristiano da Matta - Ninety-nine percent

Hello everyone. I have a little story to tell.

My brother Gustavo, who helped me a lot these last couple of months updating these web site, with all the news about my recovery, is back at work. So now I'm in charge.

I would like to thank God, and all of you for the praying and the support given to me through these difficult time. The result of all of you thinking the same way about these is that I’m almost completely recovered, living a normal life and phocused on my health.

Due to the physical therapy, I can already move my arm whatever way I want, and I know I just need to work a tiny little bit on my strength. All my doctors and physical therapists are impressed with how fast I’ve been getting better. I’m very happy to be able to do almost all the stuff I would do normally through any given day, as playing guitar, running, spinning in my stationary bike, and really enjoy all this time I’ve been spending with my family, friends and my girlfriend.

As soon as I have more news, I’ll let you know right away. Thank you one more time! "

[icemachine]

99 percent - Sounds very encouraging

[badgerbaiter]

Originally Posted by racinthestreets

I had a difficult time with the English tab. It would keep opening in spainish.

thats portuguese

[outflat]

I think that means 99% of normal life, though, rather than 99% of being able to race single seaters.

[Peter Ford]

if he was to return,would he have the speed and the passion,have a look at junqueira,when he break his back in 05,he return to racing and he stuggled to be as good as he was,the same i think will happen with with damatta.

[D.R.T.]

There were many factors outside of Junky's accident that affected his 06 results

[Davhut]

Originally Posted by Suze

where did you get that from?

Speaking with a neurosurgeon friend and confirmed:

Olvey, Dr. Stephen, RAPID RESPONSE, Haynes Publishing, pg. 229.