Felipe Massa in high-speed crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
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BUDAPEST, Hungary — Ferrari driver Felipe Massa crashed at high speed during qualifying for Formula One's Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday and was airlifted to a hospital in "stable condition."
The Brazilian driver was conscious and moving his arms before being evacuated from the Hungaroring's medical center by helicopter.
Ferrari team officials said Massa's condition was stable.
A spring that had fallen off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car flew up and struck Massa in the helmet, apparently dazing him as the Ferrari continued straight through a curb, across the track and through the gravel area alongside the circuit before slamming into a row of protective tires that line the circuit wall.
Massa appeared to regain control of the car just before the crash at turn No. 4 as his front brakes were locked upon the violent impact.
The 28-year-old Massa stayed in the car for a considerable time and it was unclear whether he required assistance in getting out, before he was taken away on a stretcher.
The front of his Ferrari was shredded, with both tires having come off and the front nose open.