Motorsport: Richards released from intensive care

Jason Richards. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards has been released from intensive care after an operation to remove a tumour in his stomach.

Richards, 34, can get himself out of bed, but only for short periods, according to his wife Charlotte in a NewstalkZB report.

The tumour was removed on Monday last week but Richards remained in an induced coma to cater for another minor procedure.

Results of tests to determine the nature of the tumour are expected this week.

Richards has stood down from the final two races of the V8 Supercar season. His seat in the Team BOC car for last week's round at Sandown was taken by endurance co-driver Andrew Jones, who will also fill in for the season finale in Sydney next month.

- NZPA