Zimpapers Logo

LONDON.
Renault driver Robert Kubica could face further surgery following the crash that partially severed his right hand.
The 26-year-old Pole was badly injured in a rally accident in Italy on Sunday and required seven hours of surgery.
He was woken up for a short time on Monday so doctors could assess his recovery before being put under gentle medication to make him sleep.
Renault said the early signs were encouraging but revealed that Kubica may need surgery on other injuries.
“He was briefly woken up by the doctors,” said a Renault statement. “He was also able to move his fingers, which is encouraging for the rest of his recovery process.
“In order to avoid any physical stress, Robert will be put under gentle medication in order to sleep for the next 24 hours at least.
“Meanwhile, the doctors will decide how they will treat his elbow and shoulder fractures. Robert may have to undergo surgery once again for this, but not for a few days.”
Sunday’s crash saw Kubica collide with a crash barrier on the outside of a fast right-hand turn 4,5km into the first special stage of the Ronde di Andora rally.
The Pole, who finished eighth in the drivers’ table last season, was in an induced coma following seven hours of surgery before waking briefly on Monday morning.
“Kubica is conscious, he talks and understands what has happened,” said Dr Giorgio Barabino at the time.
“The first thing he thought about was his co-driver and was informed about his condition.
“Things are going well considering that there was substantial damage. There were huge difficulties we faced and the necessary measures were taken immediately.
“Kubica lost a lot of blood. That is why the first hour was critical.
“He was unconscious and could not be operated on when he arrived at the hospital. He needed many transfusions during the stabilising process as well as during the very long surgery.”
Kubica’s agent Daniele Morelli said doctors believed the driver had “taken important steps forward” but Professor Mario Igor Rossello, who was part of the surgery team, said it would take a week to determine if the operation had been a complete success. “The hand is warm and this means the operation went well,” said Rossello. “It was a difficult operation. — BBC Sport.