F2 racer Correa 'improving slightly' in hospital

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Formula 2 driver Juan Manuel Correa's condition is reported to have improved slightly as he continues to receive treatment in hospital following his huge accident at Spa-Francorchamps two weeks ago.

The huge collision claimed the life of fellow F2 star Anthoine Hubert and left Correa with severe injuries.

The 20-year-old Ecuadorian-American been hospitalised ever since, and was subsequently transferred from Liege in Belgium to intensive care in a London hospital after suffering acute respiratory failure.

A new medical update from the family of the Sauber Junior Team by Charouz driver says that he remains in an induced coma but that he has shown some sighs of improvement in the last few days.

Correa placed in induced coma after respiratory failure

"Our son, Juan Manuel, remains in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in London, England, with my wife and I at his side," said the statement issued on behalf of the Correa family on Friday.

"We have good days and bad days as well as long nights and short nights but with the support of the motorsports community, our friends, family, country and fans, we continue to pray for Juan Manuel.

"Juan Manuel remains in a state of induced coma with paralysis in order for his lungs to get as much rest as possible," the statement continued.

"Continuing to be assisted by an ECMO machine, many of the key vital indicators have improved slightly while others have deteriorated very little.

"We have been reminded by the doctors that as long as Juan Manuel continues in an upward trend of improvement, even if very little, it is all that we can ask for at the moment.

"Infections are under control and respiratory indicators remain stable and all vital signs continue to remain consistent and stable.

"We believe in our son’s strength and determination," the update added. "We see the minor improvement as an indication of him starting to turn the tide in his favour. We just need him to do it a little quicker.

"Doctors continue to monitor and change the bandages when necessary and confirm that the fractures are multiple and severe.

"Additional surgeries will be required once Juan Manuel’s lungs improve to a state that it is safe for doctors to proceed."

The family also said that it wishes to thank fans for their support and best wishes that they had sent for his continued recovery.

"We would like to thank each and every person that has called, text, sent emails and reached out on social media," they said.

"We have received and read or continue to read and show all the messages to Juan Manuel

"Your messages help him to fight and never give up. This will be the biggest single motivator for Juan Manuel when he regains consciousness.

"We invite fans and friends to continue to send supportive messages via social media or to Info@JMCorrea.com.

"Again, thank you for your support."

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.