Formula One news

Massa stable after qualifying crash

Felipe Massa has been taken to hospital by helicopter after suffering a bizarre accident in qualifying at the Hungaroring. The Ferrari driver has been struck in the head, possibly in the chin, by a flying metal spring which is believed to have broken off the rear wing of Rubens Barrichello's Brawn car.

Whilst travelling up the hill to Turn 4, Massa's Ferrari began to slow, despite not being on the brakes. The Ferrari F60, with no turns of the steering wheel, went straight across the grass on the inside of the corner before directly heading into the tyre barriers.

Television replays from the car's onboard camera appear to show a spring flying into the cockpit - which is believed to have come loose from compatriot Rubens Barrichlelo's Brawn car - and striking the driver on the head, which very likely knocked Massa unconscious.

After being embedded in the tyre wall in similar fashion to Heikki Kovalainen in Spain last year, Massa was extricated from the car and put into an ambulance with his helmet still on. He has since left the medical centre and been taken to hospital by helicopter.

We will bring you the latest on Felipe's condition as soon as we receive news, although Rubens Barrichello has spoken to Felipe since the crash and can report that he is in a reasonable condition.

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