( CNN ) -- Formula One star Felipe Massa plans to thank the people who helped save his life a year ago as he makes an emotional return to Hungary this week . The Ferrari driver suffered horrific head injuries after a freak accident during the second qualifying session for the 2009 race in Budapest , when a spring from another car smashed into his helmet . The Brazilian was ruled out for the rest of the season , but has returned this year alongside new teammate Fernando Alonso . `` My first meeting when I arrive at the Hungaroring circuit will be with all the marshals and medical staff who did such a very good job of carefully getting me out of the cockpit , '' he told the F1 website on Wednesday . `` 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 -- and one unusual result of the whole unfortunate episode is that I know I now have a lot more fans in Hungary . '' The 29-year-old was a close runner-up in the 2008 world championship to this year 's leader Lewis Hamilton , but has had only two podium finishes on his return to the Italian team . He finished second in the opening race of 2010 in Bahrain behind Alonso , and then repeated that result in Germany last weekend in controversial circumstances as he appeared to allow his teammate to pass him after receiving instructions on his radio . Ferrari boss slams F1 'hypocrisy ' `` Quite often this year , journalists ask me if I feel I am back to normal and if I am driving as well as before and my answer is always the same : Yes , in terms of my work , absolutely nothing has changed , '' Massa said . `` But as a person , the accident did change me . It made me value life much more than before , and I appreciate the ordinary things in life 10 times more , and it has put life and my health in perspective , not taking anything for granted and 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 , on the professional front , nothing has changed , because once you shut the visor and go out on the race track , you just do everything as before , without thinking of the accident . '' Massa hopes Ferrari can build on the Hockenheim performance at a circuit where he has never won . `` Bridgestone is bringing its super-soft and medium tires that have always suited the F10 very well , so maybe we can have another very competitive race , '' he said . `` Personally , I have never had a good result at this circuit , but that has simply been down to circumstances , as I do enjoying driving here a lot . In 2008 for example , the last time I actually raced here , I led for 60 laps until my engine failed . '' Ferrari fined as Alonso denies Massa . Alonso , who moved to within 34 points of Hamilton with his second victory of the season , has better history at the venue -- though he failed to finish last year after starting from pole , with Hamilton the victor for McLaren . `` The Hungaroring is a special circuit for me . It was here in 2003 that I scored my first Formula One win , '' the Spaniard said . `` The track can almost be described as a go-kart track for Formula One cars . The corners follow on , one from the other , so there is nowhere for a driver to pause for breath , and it is vital to have a car that deals with the many bumps in the track surface and handles riding the kerbs . `` From the physical and mental point of view it is a pretty demanding race , so it is important not to get impetuous and overcook things , because any mistake is heavily penalized , especially in qualifying . '' Meanwhile , the future of the Monaco Grand Prix has been assured after its organizers agreed a new 10-year deal with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone . Ecclestone met Automobile Club de Monaco president Michel Boeri in London on Wednesday to seal the agreement , the official F1 website reported .
Felipe Massa returns to Budapest just over a year after he almost died in freak accident . Ferrari driver was hit in the head by a flying car part during qualifying in Hungary . He says he plans to thank the people who helped to save his life next 10 years . Ferrari will remain on F1 calendar for a year after deal is agreed .