Kubica career could be in jeopardy after horrific rally crash, reveals surgeon

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Updated: 06:06 EST, 7 February 2011

Formula One driver Robert Kubica spent the night in an induced coma and is facing a minimum of a year out of the sport after suffering horrific injuries in a high-speed rallying accident in Italy on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Pole suffered serious injuries to his right hand, arm and leg in a accident on the Ronde di Andora Rally.

Kubica, who drives for the Lotus Renault F1 team, was airlifted to Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure after colliding with a wall at high speed while competing in a Super 2000 Skoda Fabia.

• Read Simon Cass's report: Robert Kubica suffers multiple fractures following rally crash in Italy

Wrecked: Kubica's car is towed away following the crash

Initial reports suggested Kubica was in danger of losing his hand, which was partially severed in the accident, although those fears were later played down.

However, Professor Mario Igor Rossello, a specialist surgeon involved in the seven-and-a-half-hour operation to reconstruct Kubica's hand, warned tonight that it was too early to accurately assess the long-term implications of his injuries.

Rossello told reporters he was 'moderately satisfied' with the operation to rebuild the hand, but said that it would be several days before doctors could determine whether the hand would be 'able to return to full function'.

Taken to hospital: Service workers carry Robert Kubica following his serious accident in Italy

He added: 'The danger is, in five-seven days you can have vascular problems, and we could do surgery again to solve these problems.'

When asked what the best prognosis for recovery would be, Rossello replied: 'One year. One year is the best provision.'

A statement from Lotus Renault F1 confirmed he had suffered 'multiple fractures to his right arm and leg', adding: 'He also suffered severe cuts to his forearm, which could have an impact on his right hand mobility.

'Doctors are reasonably satisfied with the way the operation went. Tonight, Robert's condition remains stable but serious. He has been placed into an induced coma and could be woken up in the morning.'

Emergency service: Rescuers airlift Robert Kubica

The team's principal and managing director, Eric Boullier, said: 'The news of Robert's accident came as a real shock to the whole team. All of us, at Lotus Renault GP, wish him a quick recovery.

'We have been really impressed with the way the doctors looked after him today and we would like to thank the whole team of the Santa Corona Hospital for their professional approach and dedication.

'I will be travelling to Italy tomorrow, along with Vitaly Petrov, in order to see Robert and tell him that we are impatiently waiting for his return.'

The team revealed another update will be made tomorrow morning at 9.30am local time at the hospital, by Rossello and Kubica's manager Daniel Morelli.

Kubica's rally co-driver, Jakub Gerber, walked away unhurt while Kubica had to be cut clear by firefighters.

Gerber told Gazzetta dello Sport: 'We were on the first four kilometres of the first special stage. I was looking at the notes and didn't notice that the car was skidding.

'Only when we crashed I saw Robert holding his arm, and after a few moments he lost consciousness.

'Robert isn't just a great driver, he is a friend. I just hope he can recover soon.'

Aftermath: The 26-year-old Renault driver suffered multiple fractures after the car he was driving during the Ronde di Andora Rally crashed into a wall

While the exact recovery time remains unclear, it appears likely Kubica will miss the whole of the 2011 F1 season, which gets under way in Bahrain on March 13.

Lotus Renault have two reserve drivers in Bruno Senna and Roman Grosjean, with both men in line to step up in Kubica's absence.

However, with the extent of his injuries indicating a lengthier absence, Renault bosses may instead look to a more experienced head, with both Nick Heidfeld and Vitantonio Liuzzi likely candidates.

Kubica's accident prompted a flood of messages on Twitter, with many of his fellow drivers keen to offer their support.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who visited the hospital this afternoon, said: 'Let's all support Robert Kubica, who suffered an accident today. Besides a great driver, he is a great person.'

'I'm thinking of Robert, wish him all the best and hope to see him soon on the track and especially off-track as a friend,' said Virgin Racing's Timo Glock.

Airlifted to hospital: Italian paramedics use a sheet to cover the rescue of Robert Kubica

Williams veteran Rubens Barrichello Tweeted: 'I would like to ask you for your best wishes to Kubica. He is being operated on right now. We all like him and he deserves all the best.'

The crash is reported to have taken place 4.6km into the stage. Kubica's car left the road and collided with the wall of a church.

Kubica is said to have remained conscious during a lengthy operation to free him from the car before he was airlifted away.

Kubica has had serious accidents in the past, requiring surgery to his left arm after a Formula Three crash in 2003, and then missing the 2007 United States Grand Prix after a spectacular crash in Canada.

He returned to the site of that accident a year later to claim his first, and to date only, F1 grand prix victory.

He finished eighth in the drivers' standings last season with a best result of second place in the Australian Grand Prix.

Kubica's hopes for a successful 2011 season were high after he posted the quickest time of the opening pre-season test in Valencia earlier this week.