From GMM

Felipe Massa's personal doctor has played down suggestions the Brazilian may not be able to make a swift return to formula one due to the risk of repeat injuries.

"After his return he will be even stronger than before," Dino Altman is quoted as saying from Sao Paulo by Germany's RTL.

A comeback for 28-year-old Massa this season has already been ruled out, but some reports have hinted the Ferrari driver might also be missing from the grid at the 2010 season opener.

"He is progressing very well, and soon he will begin to prepare physically for his return," said Altman, revealing that the next step for Massa is surgery to repair some skull damage.

Earlier, he had been quoted as suggesting Felipe Massa was at "serious risk" if he tried to come back to his cockpit too soon.

"Those comments didn't come from me," Altman insisted. He said the results of the intensive tests in Miami last week were all "normal" and that there is "no risk" posed by an eventual return to F1.