Wolff: Niki will be back in the pits!

Early last month Lauda fell ill, was hospitalised before being given a lung transplant that kept the world awaiting news of his condition which at one point was life-threatening.

Typically, Lauda went under the radar with little information released about his progress but AKH Hospital sources confirming his well being and improvement in health.

Now, after a visit to Lauda at AKH Hospital in Vienna recently, Wolff told Kronen Zeitung, "Of course, physically he has weakened but otherwise he is completely lucid."

"There's no difference at all, he's lost none of his dry humour. He has so much strength and is such a phenomenal fighter. I'm really convinced: Niki will be back in the pits!"

Wolff also revealed that Lauda retains an insatiable appetite for information from the team and the races, "He just wants to know everything, about the teams and drivers. That's why he told me to bombard him with emails at the end of each training and racing day."

"Niki has just made a short pitstop in his life, driving an extra lap. But he will be back again!"

The NHS (UK) advice to patients on lung transplant recovery is: "It usually takes at least three to six months to fully recover from transplant surgery. For the first six weeks after surgery, avoid pushing, pulling or lifting anything heavy. You'll be encouraged to take part in a rehabilitation programme involving exercises to build up your strength."

You should be able to drive again four to six weeks after your transplant, once your chest wound has healed and you feel well enough. Depending on the type of job you do, you'll be able to return to work around three months after surgery."

Despite the optimism, Wolff obviously could not provide a set date for Lauda's return, "Doctors cannot answer that question yet, but on his way back to normal life it is also important he copes with any setbacks along the way, there are not only good days..."

"But Niki is in good hands at the AKH, he is highly impressed by the medical care. The whole team is competent and friendly," added Wolff.