Massa to have surgery after smash

Although word emerged after a chaotic session that Massa was "okay" after being airlifted to a nearby Budapest hospital, Ferrari later confirmed the Brazilian would need an operation.

A statement read: "After the accident during the qualifying session, Felipe was airlifted to the AEK hospital in Budapest. Felipe was conscious at the arrival of the hospital, and his general conditions remain stable."

It continued: "Following a complete medical examination, it emerged he had suffered a cut on his forehead, bone damage to his skull and a brain concussion.

"These conditions need to be operated on after which he will remain under observation in intensive care."

Massa was struck by a rear damper that had remarkably worked loose off the Brawn GP car of Rubens Barrichello. Seconds later, and with the piece of debris still bouncing along the Hungaroring track, it flew over the front of Massa's Ferrari, striking the Brazilian on the helmet just over his left eye.

The 28-year-old appeared to be knocked unconscious, with his right foot jamming down on the throttle as he proceeded to straight-line into a tyre barrier.

The impact was at least softened by the fact Massa's left foot had also come to rest on the brake as there were tyre marks across the considerable run-off area before he ploughed into the tyres.

As Massa made no attempt to turn the steering wheel, it appeared to underline the fact he was not conscious prior to the impact. With the Brazilian stricken in the car, photographs later emerged showing a fist-sized dent in his helmet and, with the visor up, there was a large cut over a blackened left eye.

Massa was soon attended to by trackside medics before being taken to the circuit's medical centre, then onto hospital for further examination 22 minutes after his shunt.