Kubica battles to save career

ROBERT KUBICA’S motorsport career was in the balance last night despite encouraging progress in his recovery from serious injuries sustained at the weekend.

The Formula One driver was yesterday brought out of a coma induced after a seven-hour operation to save his right hand, which was partially severed in a huge accident on the Ronde di Andora Rally on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Pole’s condition was yesterday described as “much better” by his Lotus Renault F1 team.

Kubica was able to move his fingers on his damaged hand and communicate with members of his family, but doctors have warned that it will be a further six days before it is known whether the operation to reconstruct his hand has been a success.

In the meantime, Kubica faces the prospect of further major surgery in the coming days, with doctors evaluating how best to treat fractures to the elbow and shoulder of his right arm. He also suffered fractures to his right leg, injuries which in themselves could take three to four months to heal.

Lotus Renault said in a statement: “Robert’s general condition is much better today.

“After spending the night under constant observation, he was briefly woken up by the doctors of the Santa Corona Hospital this morning. The Lotus Renault GP driver was then able to talk to his relatives. He was also able to move his fingers. Professor Mario Igor Rossello did not notice any swelling or infection on his right forearm, and this is another good sign.”