Marussia test driver Maria de Villota has made "remarkable progress" after being involved in a serious crash, according to the Formula 1 team.
The 32-year-old lost her right eye after she crashed at Duxford Airfield ahead of last weekend's British Grand Prix.
After being removed from the critical list at Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge, a team statement has said that she is improving all the time.
"It is now eight days since Maria de Villota's accident at Duxford Airfield in her debut test for the team," it said.
"Despite severe injuries, Maria's recovery during that time has been remarkable.
"Since that time, Maria has been making small but significant steps. She was moved out of the Neurological Critical Care Unit on Monday and is no longer receiving sedation. Her family remain by her side and she is communicating freely with them and the medical team. Medical assessments are ongoing to monitor Maria's improving condition."
De Villota, the daughter of former F1 driver Emilio de Villota, has raced in a number of different series since 2001.
Jack Prescott
