Robert Wickens is "breathing without medical assistance" for the first time since his Pocono crash and is communicating with family members, a statement from his Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team confirmed on Saturday.
The Canadian racer was airlifted to hospital with multiple injuries after crashing during the ABC Supply 500 last weekend and has undergone surgery to inster titanium rods and screws into his spine. He also suffered two leg fractures.
Although the severity of his spinal injury remains unknown at this time, the team did provide an update on his condition, confirming the 29-year-old was now breathing unaided.
"For the first time following his Aug. 19 incident at Pocono Raceway, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens is breathing without medical assistance and speaking with his family," a statement confirmed.
"Robert's family and the entire SPM organization are very pleased to share this information and wish everyone a safe event tonight in St. Louis."
SPM have entered a single car for Saturday's Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Gateway after confirming they wouldn't draft in a replacement for Wickens.
