Lauda backs Schumacher for F1 return

In light of his injuries sustained during his accident in Saturday's qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, it is believed Massa will spend at least six weeks in recovery - leading to speculation Schumacher could make a surprise return to the sport as his temporary replacement.

"I've no idea how Michael is mentally," said Lauda. "But who else? Who is available? There is nobody available anywhere near Michael's performance. I was thinking about it, and there is nobody."

Brazilian Massa is to remain under sedation for 48 hours following emergency surgery to repair a skull fracture. Doctors at the AEK military hospital in Budapest are encouraged by Massa's condition after undergoing a CT scan on Sunday.

"The result of the CT was reassuring. It brought the result we had expected concerning an injury of this type," remarked Peter Baszo, the doctor treating Massa.

The 28-year-old was put in an induced coma after surgery before being temporarily awoken this morning when he responded to family at his bedside and underwent a series of tests.

Baszo confirmed that to ensure Massa remains stable and to promote recovery he will not now be brought round again until Tuesday.

Lauda believes Schumacher, currently employed by Ferrari as an advisor, would represent the most logical choice. Lauda insists if he were Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, he would attempt to lure back Schumacher in a time of need for the team.

"He needs to take a decision," added Lauda. "For the whole business of Formula One, which is ill anyway because nobody is coming, he (Schumacher) would improve it by 20 to 30 per cent interest.

"The test drivers are useless, and there is nobody else here if you think about it, but if he doesn't want to do it, the idea is finished in the same second. But if I was di Montezemolo I would call him."