Massa Unscathed after Head-On Crash

Felipe Massa escaped unscathed from a heavy accident during the Monaco Grand Prix, the Brazilian's first race at the tight street circuit.

Sauber driver Massa received a stop-and-go penalty after he pushed Arrows' Enrique Bernoldi off the track at the Sainte Devote corner after his compatriot had overtaken him following an exciting battle.

21-year old Massa then lost control of his car on lap 64 at the same corner, crashing head-on against the tyre barrier at high speed. The Brazilian stayed inside the car for a few moments before he was capable of getting out, but fortunately he was fine.

"I had a pretty exciting first Monaco Grand Prix," admitted Massa. "The car had lots of oversteer but I had a good battle with Bernoldi, which unfortunately ended when I braked a bit too late for the Ste Devote corner. We both went into the escape road and then I had to do a stop and go penalty.

"On my 64th lap nothing happened when I braked for Ste Devote, and the car just went straight on into the tyre wall. It was a big impact and I hit my nose on the steering wheel, but otherwise I'm okay. I'll be leaving tomorrow for the Silverstone test."

Massa's teammate Nick Heidfeld completed a disappointing day for the Swiss team, the German finishing outside the points in eighth place.