Update; hes making a good recovery:
Top Gear's James May says he is convinced his fellow presenter Richard
Hammond is "perfectly intact" after a conversation at his hospital bedside.
Mr Hammond suffered a "significant brain injury" when he crashed a jet-powered car at a speed of up to 300mph
during filming near York. Mr May said it was not a long talk "but it was a conversation". "I'm not a doctor but I am
his mate and I believe that deep inside the Hammond I know is perfectly intact," he said.
The accident is being investigated by the BBC, the police and the Health and Safety Executive.
Mr Hammond, 36, was earlier moved out of intensive care at Leeds General Infirmary, where he
has been since Wednesday, and doctors said he is making "satisfactory progress"
Doctors said his condition had changed from "serious but stable" to "stable".
The doctors treating him have previously said they are "reasonably optimistic" he will make a good recovery.
Mr Hammond's wife, Mindy, and Top Gear's other host, Jeremy Clarkson, have also been at his bedside.
Mr Clarkson told the Sun newspaper that he had insulted Mr Hammond's driving skills - prompting a smile from Mr Hammond.
He also said Mr Hammond had no visible injuries following the ordeal he had been through other than a black eye. ""
Scene of Richard Hammond's crash at Elvington airfield:
The Vampire:
Estimated top speed: 370mph
Acceleration: 0 to 272mph in 6 seconds
Engine: Rolls Royce Orpheus
Fuel economy: 7-10 gallons per mile
Weight: 2,200 lbs (998kg)
Length: 30 feet (9.14m)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5371556.stm
(Last Updated: Friday, 22 September 2006)