Budapest, July 26 (DPA) Ferrari driver Felipe Massa was said to be stable after undergoing emergency surgery for skull damage and a concussion suffered as a result of a crash Saturday in the qualifying session for the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix.

Massa crashed 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.'

In Sao Paulo, Massa's five-month pregnant wife watched the horrific accident live on television, globoesporte.com reported.