Van der Drift eyes Navarra return

The Kiwi was an interested spectator at Silverstone's Formula Renault 3.5 meeting last weekend. He broke multiple bones when his Olympiacos car crashed into a bridge parapet at Pilgrim's Drop following contact with Julien Jousse's AS Roma entry.

"I'm up and about now and have started training," said van der Drift. "I have just been down to Champney's [health resort] close to Aylesbury. They have a cool chamber, and I go in it for short periods down to -130 degrees.

"It seems to be working, as I feel better. I was there on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, and I am planning to go back there for further treatments.

"I saw Mike Conway when I was there last week [recovering from his enormous Indianapolis 500 accident], which was terrific. Mike was having his last day. He has finished his programme and I think is heading back to America, while I am just starting my treatment."

Van der Drift confirmed that Olympiacos has offered him a Superleague seat for the 2011 season, but he is aiming for a return at this year's Navarra final on 24 October.

"It is good that they're happy to have me back," said van der Drift. "I have my visa sorted for the forthcoming Chinese round, just in case I am ready, but this year's last race is more likely.

"When I think about it, it could easily have been my back or neck, but [my injuries are confined to] all the stuff I don't really care about."

Memorabilia donated from Formula 1 teams, and an Olympiacos shirt signed by the Greek club's players, are being auctioned on eBay over the next five days in order to raise money towards van der Drift's medical expenses.