Robert Kubica injured in rally crash

First filed 6 February.

News has come through that Lotus Renault GP driver Robert Kubica was injured in a rally accident earlier today.

Internet rumour has detailed varying degrees of injury for 26-year-old Kubica and while we don’t have any confirmed details it is known he is currently under observation in hospital and we believe he is conscious. It’s also understood his injuries are not life threatening.

Kubica was driving a Skoda Fabia S2000 car at the Ronde di Andora rally, near Genoa. It is being reported that Kubica crashed into a church wall. His co-driver was not injured.

An official statement from Lotus Renault GP can be read below. Out thoughts are with Kubica and when we hear more we will let you know.

UPDATE #1: BBC are reporting Kubica has suffered fractures to his right arm and right leg.

UPDATE #2 (1am 7 Feb): A new statement from Lotus Renault GP has been added below which confirms Kubica has multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand. Here’s best wishes to Robert for a speedy recovery. It now looks very likely that Bruno Senna will be racing for the team in Bahrain, and possibly beyond.

UPDATE #3 (8am 7 Feb): Video of an Italian TV news report has been added at the end of this article. Word overnight on BBC radio’s World Service was that surgeon’s were hoping to “restore the functionality” of Robert’s hand. A new update from Lotus Renault GP is expected soon. However, it is believed Kubica’s long-term racing career is under threat.

UPDATE #4 (9:30am 7 Feb): Autosport are reporting that Kubica is now expected to be sidelined for the entire 2011 Formula One season. Doctors managed to save his right hand overnight after there were fears it would need to be amputated. It’s expected it will take a week to see if the surgery is a success and, if it is, Kubica could need up to 12 months to fully recover. You can see video of Robert Kubica’s surgeon at the end of this article.

UPDATE #5 (10:45am 7 Feb): A new statement from Lotus Renault GP can be read below. Two teams of doctors spent a total of seven hours reconstructing Kubica’s right forearm which was cut in two places.

[Pic: Pixelrallye | Thanks to Simon for the tip]

06.02.11 STATEMENT ON ROBERT KUBICA

Lotus Renault GP driver, Robert Kubica, suffered an accident at high speed this morning while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally.

The driver was airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical checks. His co-driver is fine.

Lotus Renault GP will issue another statement as soon as more information is known about Robert’s condition.

UPDATE ON ROBERT KUBICA’S CONDITION

After undergoing extensive medical checks this morning, Robert Kubica has been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand. He is currently undergoing surgery at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure.

Robert suffered a high-speed accident this morning while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally.

Daniel Morelli, Robert’s manager, will be available for the press in front of the hospital emergency entrance at 16h30 CET.

UPDATE ON ROBERT KUBICA’S CONDITION

Monday 7 February 10:45am (AEDT) – Robert Kubica underwent a seven-hour operation at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure this afternoon. The Lotus Renault GP driver had been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm and leg following a high-speed accident at the Ronda de Andora rally this morning. 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.

Professor Mario Igor Rossello, Director for the Regional Centre of Hand Surgery at San Paolo Hospital in Savona: “It has been a very important and difficult operation. Robert Kubica’s right forearm was cut in two places, with significant lesions to the bones and the tendons. We did our best to rebuild the functions of the forearm. It took seven doctors, split into two teams and a total of seven hours to complete the operation. One team was the emergency task force from the hospital of San Paolo (Savona) that is normally appointed to treat this sort of injury, while the other team came from the orthopaedic department of the Santa Corona Hospital (Pietra Ligure). At the end of the operation, Robert’s hand was well vascularised and warm, which is encouraging. Following the surgery, Robert Kubica will remain under permanent monitoring overnight because his condition remains serious.”

Eric Boullier, Team Principal and Managing Director of Lotus Renault GP: “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 traveling to Italy tomorrow, along with Vitaly Petrov, in order to see Robert and tell him that we are impatiently waiting for his return.”

Another update will be made tomorrow morning at 9h30, at the hospital, by Prof. Rossello and Daniel Morelli, Robert’s manager.