VIDEO: Kubica Kept In Coma, Team Boss To Visit Monday

Formula 1

VIDEO: Kubica Kept In Coma, Team Boss To Visit Monday - UPDATED

Robert Kubica's hand surgery is complete...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted February 07, 2011 Balen (BEL)

The timing of Robert Kubica's return to Formula One is still unknown. (Photo: Getty Images)

UPDATED: Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 - 4:23 am ET

Late last on Sunday night Italian time Lotus Renault GP issued a statement explaining Robert Kubica's condition.

It confirmed previously published details of the operation, but added that he was in an induced coma overnight.

The team also formally acknowledged that there were questions marks over whether he would regain mobility of his right arm.

The statement reads: “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.“

Meanwhile the team quoted Prof Mario Igor Rossello as saying: “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.”

Team principal Eric Boullier says he is visiting Robert on Monday:”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.”

Kubica Out Of Surgery As Wait Begins

Robert Kubica has completed a seven hour operation under Italian hand surgery specialist Prof Igor Rossello, but it will be some time before his true condition becomes clear.

“We have to wait at least a week to see if his hand survives,” Rossello told Italian media, referring to the likelihood of a return to full functionality. He also added that it could take a year for the Pole to be able to use his right arm again.

Rossello, a specialist from the nearly San Paulo Hospital in Savona, was joined by Renault’s own doctor, Riccardo Ceccarelli.

Kubica underwent bone reconstruction before the doctors attended to tissue and nerve damage, while a separate team worked on his injured right leg.

Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. Born in London, England, he saw his first F1 race at age 10 in 1976. He began freelancing for Autosport magazine in 1985 and was on the fulltime staff from 1987-92. He then went freelance again, initially spending two years in Japan before following the 1994 Champcar series from a base in Indianapolis. He has not missed a Grand Prix since Suzuka ‘94, a run that has extended to Abu Dhabi ’10. Adam has written books about Eddie Irvine, Piers Courage and Michael Schumacher. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Check out Adam's Blog or follow him on Twitter.