Formula One: Kubica improving, to undergo two surgeries

Polish Formula One driver Robert Kubica, who was seriously injured in a high-speed rally crash at the weekend, is improving but faces two further operations to stabilise fractures, his Lotus Renault team said.

The 26-year-old was at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia, taking part in the Ronde di Andora Rally in Liguria in the north-west of Italy on Sunday, when his vehicle left the road and crashed into a church wall.

He was airlifted to the Santa Corona hospital in nearby Pietra Ligure where he underwent seven hours of surgery for multiple injuries, the worst of which was to his right hand which was partially severed by a metal railing.

"Today (Tuesday), Robert's general condition has once again improved," Lotus Renault said in a statement.

"According to the doctors, the levels of inflammation are in the norm considering his medical condition, and the recovery of his forearm remains encouraging."

The team added: "Yesterday, Robert was able to talk to his doctors and relatives. His medication makes him sleep quite a lot, but he is responding to all external stimulation.

"He has reacted well to the news about his condition and is ready to fight for his comeback.

"On Thursday, Robert should undergo some more surgery in order to stabilise the fractures to his right shoulder and right foot. Three or four days later, another operation will allow his elbow fracture to be stabilised as well."

Lotus Renault said Kubica would remain at the Santa Corona Hospital for two to three more weeks, with a decision then to be taken about where he should go in order to continue his rehabilitation.

Kubica is reported to have taken a bend at speed when he lost control and hit a guard rail which broke down the drivers' door and bent the roll-bar.

His co-driver, Jacub Gerber, emerged from the wreck unhurt but Kubica remained inside until emergency services removed him from the wreckage.

Lotus Renault reserve driver Bruno Senna, nephew of the late three-time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna, is in line to replace Kubica in Bahrain although the team also have test driver Romain Grosjean in their ranks.

The rally accident was not the first time Kubica has been involved in a horror crash, after he hit a wall at 300kph during the Canadian Grand Prix in 2007.

Driving for Sauber, Kubica slid off the circuit and crashed into a wall, before rebounding across the track in a barrel roll and hitting another barrier.

Kubica, however, was not seriously injured, sustaining nothing more serious than a sprained ankle and slight concussion. He missed only one Grand Prix after the incident.

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