ROME, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- 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.