BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) -Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has damaged his skull and will need surgery after his car slammed into a wall during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

His team said Saturday the 28-year-old Brazilian was airlifted to a hospital and will remain under observation in intensive care following the operation.

The team said Massa's condition was stable, and that he was conscious when he arrived at the hospital.

The crash occurred after a spring had fallen off another car and flew up and struck Massa in the helmet. An apparently dazed Massa continued driving over a curb and across the track. He went through the gravel area alongside the circuit before striking the tire barrier.

source si.com