Drag racer Phil Lamattina has suffered a shattered vertebrae in a crash that “snapped his car in two” at the Willowbank Raceway, about 54 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.

Lamattina, from Mildura, was driving in a qualifying round for the Fuchs Winternationals on Saturday afternoon when his car suffered a chassis failure.

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A statement on Lamattina Top Fuel Racing’s Facebook page said the car had “snapped in two and gone airborne”.

The 39-year-old was conscious and alert following the accident and was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious condition.

The family confirmed on Saturday evening that Lamattina had suffered a shattered vertebrae.

“Surgeons have advised that a full recovery is expected and the team will keep everyone up to date with his progress over the coming days,” the family said via the team’s Facebook page.

“The family thanks all for the well wishes and support.”

Team co-owner Angelo Lamattina earlier confirmed his brother had been able to talk to medical staff as he was taken to hospital.

Phil Lamattina was injured in a similar accident in 2007, also at the Willowbank Raceway.