Injured Dakar rider Manca breathing on his own

Hospital officials in Chile say Italian motorcyclist Luca Manca is breathing on his own and speaking with family members.

Manca is recovering from life-threatening head injuries sustained last week in the Dakar Rally.

The 29-year-old suffered serious head injuries on Jan. 7 when he fell from his bike in northern Chile. He was airlifted to the Chilean capital Santiago and placed in an induced coma. He could breathe only with the aid of a respirator.

Dr. Alberto Munoz, the head of the intensive care unit at Mutual de Seguridad Hospital in Santiago, said Friday that Manca's chances for a strong recovery were good.