Doctors treating injured MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis were able to reduce his sedation on Monday and reported improvements in his condition.

The Italian was airlifted to Dokkyo Hospital after a crash in fourth practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi on Saturday. Initially diagnosed with multiple rib and spinal fractures plus lung contusions, de Angelis was then described as being in a critical condition after a further scan on Sunday revealed an intracranial hematoma.

However, a MotoGP statement said his latest head and chest CT scan on Monday “reassuringly showed that the intracranial hematoma he suffered was unchanged while the contusions to his lungs are slightly resolving.

“The rider remains in a critical condition but as his sedation was reduced, he was able to talk and was oriented in time and space. He’ll undergo a further head CT scan in the next 48 to 72 hours to ensure the intracranial hematoma is stable while the conditions of the lungs will need further evaluation.”

Dr. Michele Zasa from MotoGP’s mobile clinic has remained in Japan to assist with de Angelis’s treatment. He was also visited in hospital by former riders turned MotoGP safety officials Loris Capirossi and Franco Uncini on Monday.