Massa's crash explained (UK users only)

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa will make an emotional return to the Hungaroring this weekend, a year after fracturing his skull in an accident at the track.

The Brazilian, 29, was hit on the helmet by a spring during qualifying for the 2009 race and is to thank all the staff who helped save him.

"It made me value life much more than before," he told the Ferrari website.

"My first meeting when I arrive [in Hungary] will be with all the marshals and medical staff."

"They did such a very good job of carefully getting me out of the cockpit," Massa added.

"I want to thank these people, with whom I now feel a special bond.

"I had to stay in hospital for a week after the accident and I got to know the staff, who all treated me so well."

Massa says he 'values life much more' following the accident in 2009

Massa has fully recovered from the injury, which happened after a spring that had become detached from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car hit him just above his left eye.

He was travelling at 162mph at the time and hit the crash barrier at 62mph.

The Ferrari driver fractured his skull at the point where the spring hit him and at the rear base of his skull. He also damaged his left eye.

Massa had surgery and a brain scan at the AEK military hospital in Budapest but flew home to Sao Paulo nine days after the accident.

"I appreciate the ordinary things in life 10 times more. It has put life and my health in perspective, not taking anything for granted," Massa stated.

"Not just for me, but also for life in general and what it means to everyone. I know what it means now and I feel I am much more mature as a human being."

However, Massa added that "nothing has changed" in terms of his career.

"Once you shut the visor and go out on the racetrack, you just do everything as before without thinking of the accident," he continued.

606: DEBATE What are Massa's chances at the Hungary Grand Prix?

Massa's return to the Hungaroring will come a week after his team were fined $100,000 for appearing to give the Brazilian a coded order to allow fellow Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso through to win the German Grand Prix.

The Spaniard is fifth in the drivers' world championship on 123 points, while Massa - who finished second at Hockenheim - is in eighth spot on 85 points.

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