Formula One team Ferrari told their website on Monday that injured driver Felipe Massa had successful plastic surgery at a Sao Paulo hospital.

The operation on Massa's fractured skull lasted four and a half hours.

According to the hospital, the Brazilian driver will be released after a short stay in hospital and be at home for further rehabilitation ready for a return to racing next year.

Massa suffered the injury in July when he was hit by a spring at Hungarian Grand Prix.

Ferrari has decided to call up driver Giancarlo Fisichella to fill in Massa's seat for the last five races of this season.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2009)