Ferrari's Felipe Massa will miss Sunday's Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix after being hit on the helmet by debris in qualifying and being taken to hospital for surgery to a head wound, a team spokesman said.
"He will not race tomorrow," he said.
The Brazilian, championship runner-up last year, was hit by a fist-sized spring that fell off compatriot Rubens Barrichello's Brawn during Saturday's session.
The red car, leaving streaking brake marks across the asphalt, ploughed straight on at turn four and into the tyre wall.
Massa was extracted and taken by ambulance to the circuit medical centre before being flown to the AEK hospital in nearby Budapest.
Ferrari, the reigning champions, said in a statement that Massa was conscious on arrival at the hospital and his general conditions were stable.
"Following a complete medical examination it emerged that he had suffered a cut on his forehead, a bone damage of his skull and a brain concussion," it added.
"These conditions need to be operated on after which he will remain under observation in intensive care. Further information will be released later tonight."
Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport website (www.gazzetta.it) showed a photograph of the driver with his visor half ripped off and a bloody gash over his closed left eye.