Massa in critical condition after crash

BUDAPEST, Hungary, July 25 (UPI) -- Felipe Massa was in critical condition after suffering a fractured skull Saturday during qualifying for the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix.

In the second round of qualifying, Massa, driving his Ferrari, ran off the course in turn four and slammed head-on into the tire barrier after being struck on the head by a spring that came off the Brawn GP car driven by Rubens Barrichello.

Massa, a native of Sao Paulo, underwent surgery at the AEK Hospital in Budapest, the team said in a statement late Saturday. He remained under observation in intensive care and in a "life-threatening" condition, though the outcome of his surgery was called "positive."

Massa, 28, also suffered a concussion and a cut on his forehead. He was conscious when he was flown to the hospital by helicopter.

Massa is fifth in the latest F1 standings with 22 points.