Franchitti continues to recover

The Team Green driver suffered three non-displaced fractures of the pelvis and several small contusions of the brain after the shunt, on the opening day of Spring Training.

No surgery will be required for any of the injuries, but Franchitti will remain hospitalised for a few days.

On Thursday morning, CART director of medical affairs, Dr Steve Olvey said Franchitti spent Wednesday night in the trauma intensive care unit.

This morning he had a normal neurological examination and is in good spirits.

He may be moved out of intensive care later today, and could be released from hospital by Saturday.

"We'll probably try to get him up on crutches either today or tomorrow morning.

"He will undergo intensive physical therapy for about six weeks so that he doesn't lose agility or muscle mass.

"It will be three to four weeks before any decision is made as to whether he can drive at the season opener at Homestead on March 25."

The initial data from the incident points to a mechanical failure in the right rear spindle.

Kim Green, general manager of Team Green said: "There is no history of failure in this area. We are working with our technical partners at Reynard to evaluate the components."