Budapest, July 26 (DPA) Felipe Massa has undergone emergency surgery after suffering skull damage and concussion as a result of a crash Saturday in the qualifying session for the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver crashed heavily into a tyre wall in second qualifying after being hit on the helmet by a piece of flying debris believed to have come from the Brawn GP car of Rubens Barrichello.

The 28-year-old applied the brakes but was unable to prevent his car ploughing into a tyre wall.

Massa was treated at the track's medical centre before being flown to the AEK Hospital in Budapest for further treatment.

'Felipe was conscious at the arrival at the hospital,' said a Ferrari statement.

'He underwent surgery to treat these conditions, the outcome of which was positive. He will now remain under observation in intensive care.'

Massa qualified in 10th despite the crash but will miss Sunday's race and Ferrari will not be able to nominate a replacement driver, as he would have to have driven in the qualifying session.