No regrets over intermediates choice in quali - Massa

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Felipe Massa was one of three drivers who got caught out by the chaotic conditions which prevailed in a Q1 segment which lasted 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Following some initial running on wets, the Brazilian pitted for intermediates but just bit the white line on the exit of Turn 4, which pitched the Williams across the track and in to the barriers, ending his qualifying session.

When suggested that he had perhaps changed a tad early for the intermediate compound, Massa defended the choice.

"On was an out-lap and just trying to understand the track," Massa explained.

"I just lost the car on aquaplaning at corner 4, there was like a river coming in the middle, but on every corner before that I felt the intermediates were the quickest tyres. Unfortunately I hit the guardrail."

On the radio to his team just after the accident, Massa labeled the mishap as "unbelievable".

"I meant it wasn't nice that these things happen and you lose qualifying like this. I'm sorry for the guys and we need to concentrate for tomorrow."

Massa will line up 18th on tomorrow's Hungarian GP grid.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.