Formula 1 racing driver Felipe Massa has undergone surgery in a Budapest hospital for a fractured skull. The operation, which followed his crash during the qualifying round of the Hungarian Grand Prix, was described as a success and he is said not to be in danger.

The Brazilian was hit in the head during the race by debris which broke loose from the car in front of him. He missed the fourth bend and hit the tyre wall at 200 kilometres per hour. Rescue workers were able to free him from his Ferrari within minutes and he was taken to hospital by helicopter.

The qualifying round was suspended for a lengthy period following the accident. Fernado Alonso eventually came in quickest and will start on Sunday in pole position.
 

photo: Massa after the crash (flickr/Z. Hung)