Burti could miss rest of season

The 26-year-old Brazilian suffered severe concussion in the impact at Spa-Francorchamps and will be advised to take his time before attempting to drive again.

Gary Hartstein, a member of motorsport governing body the FIA's medical team, told BBC radio: "We like people who have had severe concussion to be totally asymptomatic for a significant amount of time before any chance of a second concussion. So I don't know where that puts Luciano.

"We would want him to go a certain period of time, longer than the next race [next weekend's Italian GP] at any event, before he even thinks about getting back in the car.

"I don't think Luciano will be showing up at Monza physically, I think he's probably going to still be resting. I don't think he'll feel like showing up."

Burti has accepted that he cannot rush his recovery. "We drivers, we are always in a hurry, but I know perfectly well when you must be patient and this is one of those moments. Of course I want to be back as soon as possible, but I know that being in a rush now is not a good idea. I trust the doctors who are taking care of me as well as my family, and with their support I will know what to say about my future."

According to Prost, no decision has been taken on who will stand in for Burti next week. Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer has been strongly tipped, along with Formula 3000 frontrunner Tomas Enge who impressed during his maiden F1 test with Prost this week.

A team spokeswoman said: "Luciano hasn't seen [FIA medical delegate] Sid Watkins yet and the decison on whether he races rests with him. Luciano knows that he has to be patient. As for replacements, should we need one, we have several options, one of which is Tomas Enge."

Burti is expected to make a full recovery and is already making good progress, according to Hartstein. "Luciano's physical recuperation pace is excellent and above expectations," he said. "Nevertheless, we do not want to accelerate things and the family's position is for Luciano to keep under medical observation whatever the time is necessary for him to get back to his normal routine.

"We are winning the battle step by step and it is our intention to keep acting in the same manner."