Formula One
July 25, 2009
Ferrari's Felipe Massa underwent emergency surgery at a hospital in Budapest following the crash, in which he suffered skull damage and a concussion. The crash occurred during the qualifying session for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. Massa lost control of his car and ploughed into a tyre wall, after a piece of flying debris hit his helmet.
Ferrari said in a statement that the outcome of the surgery was positive and that Massa would remain under observation in intensive care. He is said to be in a serious but stable condition.
The flying debris is believed to have come from the car of fellow Brazilian Rubens Barrichello. He visited Massa in hospital, saying he wanted to be there because he had been in similar situations himself.
The accident follows the death of Briton Henry Surtees, who was killed at Britain's Brands Hatch circuit last weekend when he was struck by a flying wheel.
Barrichello said the two accidents showed that there was a need for improved safety in motorsport.
"I honestly don't believe in coincidence in life," he said. "Things happen for a reason and I think this is the second message."
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton also told reporters that he did not believe the two incidents were coincidental.
"We can't ignore it," he said. "We've got to make sure we learn from it and improve if we can."
Starting grid
Despite the crash, Felipe Massa qualified tenth for Sunday's Grand Prix – although his condition means he will miss the race.
Spain's Fernando Alonso, driving for Renault, has claimed the pole position – the 18th of his career.
"This is a special circuit for me because I had my first win here in 2003," Alonso said. "I am always happy when I drive in Budapest."
German Sebastian Vettel and his Red Bull team-mate Australian Mark Webber will start second and third respectively.
Author: ca/dpa/AP/Reuters
Editor: Kateri Jochum