Cristiano da Matta

Da Matta, who suffered near-fatal head trauma in a crash in Aug. 2006, completed his first laps in a race car in 19 months, the Indianapolis Star reports.

In racing speak, da Matta has "rounded the corner" according to Dr. Chris Pinderski, medical director of Champ Car, speedtv.com reports.

Da Matta remains hospitalized 15 days after colliding with a deer that ran onto the Road America track in Elkhart, Wisconsin. Champ Car Series medical director Dr. Chris Pinderski said da Matta could be moved out of intensive care as soon as Friday. As of Thursday, he had not yet fully regained consciousness but no longer was using a ventilator, the Miami Herald reports.

Da Matta suffered severe head injuries Thursday after striking a deer during Champ Car testing at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, speedtv.com reports. The 32-year-old Brazilian was airlifted to Theda Clark Medical Center hospital where he underwent surgery Thursday night. His condition was critical.

Da Matta was signed by RuSport to take over A.J. Allmendinger's car in the Champ Car series, the Indianapolis Star reports.