Sauber driver Massa in hospital after crash

Sauber driver Felipe Massa has been airlifted to hospital after a heavy crash during testing at Barcelona today.

Sauber driver Felipe Massa has been airlifted to hospital after a heavy crash during testing at Barcelona today.

The Brazilian lost control of his Ferrari-powered Sauber on the approach to turn one after an apparent failure on the front end of the car.

He smashed heavily into the barriers and reportedly lost consciousness briefly.

Massa was treated by medics before being taken to a waiting helicopter on a stretcher and flown to a nearby hospital for checks while Sauber mechanics swiftly hid the wrecked car under a tarpaulin.