Briscoe Anxious to Race

The Australian is recovering from multiple fractures and bruising suffered in the crash but is hopeful that he will be ready to get back driving before the end of 2005.

"I am feeling reasonably good, actually," he said. "I've been on my feet as much as possible and I am a bit sore all over. But I think nothing that will take too long to recover from. I should be fit enough to get in the race car hopefully within the next couple months."

Although Briscoe's accident was one of the biggest seen in the IRL this season, he admits that it has not affected his desire to return to the series next season.

"I just want to stay focused and move on," he said. "I certainly feel pretty lucky right now because I think I've come off last week's accident with minimal injuries. I certainly do feel pretty lucky. I do what I love. Racing cars is just what I love doing. You know, it will take a lot more than that to stop me from doing that.

"You know, I'm just here at the race shop today, spending time with the mechanics and engineers. It's just great to be back here again and talking with everyone. Honestly, I just can't wait until I can get back out in the race car."

Briscoe is set to return to Italy next week to help his recuperation. He will spend time at the Formula Medicine facility, which has looked after him for several years through his links with the Toyota Formula One team.

"Basically, there's no surgery to be done," he added. "I mean, I've just got a few fractures. Both my clavicles are fractured. I've got a fractured bone in my foot. Nothing to be done for them. Just wait for them to repair. As time goes on, I'll be able to do more and more movement to exercise them and make my bones stronger.

"I've got a lot of bruising and swelling in my back. That should go down over time. It's just restricting my movement at the moment. It looks like there are no fractures or anything there. It shouldn't be too bad.

"I mean, I had some burns in my lungs. I had to be on oxygen for a few days. That's better now. My breathing is good. I think it's just time. It's all about being patient now and waiting for everything to repair."