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Kubica woken up from coma
Source: Agencies |
February 8, 2011, Tuesday
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FORMULA One driver Robert Kubica was brought out of an induced coma yesterday and was reported in stable condition after suffering serious injuries in a rally car crash.
However, the 26-year-old Polish driver will likely need further surgery to his elbow and shoulder, his Lotus Renault team said.
Kubica underwent seven hours of surgery on Sunday after the high-speed crash in northern Italy. His right hand was badly damaged and surgeons averted the risk of amputation.
"Kubica is conscious. He talks and understands what has happened," said Dr. Giorgio Barabino, head of the intensive care unit at the Santa Corona hospital. "The first thing he thought about was his co-driver and was informed about his condition."
Kubica's Skoda Fabia went off the road and hit a wall when he was a few kilometers away from the start of the Ronde di Andora Rally. His co-driver, Jakub Gerber, was unhurt.
"Things are going well considering that there was substantial damage," Barabino said. "Kubica lost a lot of blood. That is why the first hour was critical."
Surgeon Igor Rossello said Kubica's right hand was warm yesterday, which he said was a good sign. However, the surgeon said it would take five or six more days to see if the hand was healing properly.
Kubica spent the night in intensive care and was woken from the induced coma in the morning.
"The patient spent (the) night in good condition," Rossello told reporters outside of the hospital. "The condition has stabilized." Rossello has estimated that it would take about a year for Kubica to recover functionality in his right hand.
The Lotus Renault team said Kubica's condition was "much better" and that he was able to speak to his relatives and move his fingers. The team said Rossello did not notice any swelling or infection on his right forearm, another positive sign.
"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," the team said in a statement. "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."
Kubica is likely to miss most or all of the 2001 F1 season, which opens with Bahrain Grand Prix on March 13. With testing already under way in Spain, Renault will have to find a replacement for one of the most popular and competitive drivers on the grid.
The team's official third drivers are Brazilian Bruno Senna and France's Romain Grosjean.
Senna competed last season for the HRT team while Grosjean started seven races for Renault in 2009.
Neither has scored a point in Formula One and media reports have quickly focused on Germans Nick Heidfeld and Nico Hulkenberg as possible long-term alternatives, although the latter is contracted to Force India as a reserve.
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso visited him late on Sunday and the Internet has been awash with support.
"I am still upset by the news about Robert Kubica. It is shocking ... just terrible. I hope the medical efforts are working and will continue to work so he can go back to normal with no lingering damage," seven-time champion Michael Schumacher said on his website. "We are all rooting for him and our thoughts are with him and his family."
However, the 26-year-old Polish driver will likely need further surgery to his elbow and shoulder, his Lotus Renault team said.
Kubica underwent seven hours of surgery on Sunday after the high-speed crash in northern Italy. His right hand was badly damaged and surgeons averted the risk of amputation.
"Kubica is conscious. He talks and understands what has happened," said Dr. Giorgio Barabino, head of the intensive care unit at the Santa Corona hospital. "The first thing he thought about was his co-driver and was informed about his condition."
Kubica's Skoda Fabia went off the road and hit a wall when he was a few kilometers away from the start of the Ronde di Andora Rally. His co-driver, Jakub Gerber, was unhurt.
"Things are going well considering that there was substantial damage," Barabino said. "Kubica lost a lot of blood. That is why the first hour was critical."
Surgeon Igor Rossello said Kubica's right hand was warm yesterday, which he said was a good sign. However, the surgeon said it would take five or six more days to see if the hand was healing properly.
Kubica spent the night in intensive care and was woken from the induced coma in the morning.
"The patient spent (the) night in good condition," Rossello told reporters outside of the hospital. "The condition has stabilized." Rossello has estimated that it would take about a year for Kubica to recover functionality in his right hand.
The Lotus Renault team said Kubica's condition was "much better" and that he was able to speak to his relatives and move his fingers. The team said Rossello did not notice any swelling or infection on his right forearm, another positive sign.
"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," the team said in a statement. "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."
Kubica is likely to miss most or all of the 2001 F1 season, which opens with Bahrain Grand Prix on March 13. With testing already under way in Spain, Renault will have to find a replacement for one of the most popular and competitive drivers on the grid.
The team's official third drivers are Brazilian Bruno Senna and France's Romain Grosjean.
Senna competed last season for the HRT team while Grosjean started seven races for Renault in 2009.
Neither has scored a point in Formula One and media reports have quickly focused on Germans Nick Heidfeld and Nico Hulkenberg as possible long-term alternatives, although the latter is contracted to Force India as a reserve.
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso visited him late on Sunday and the Internet has been awash with support.
"I am still upset by the news about Robert Kubica. It is shocking ... just terrible. I hope the medical efforts are working and will continue to work so he can go back to normal with no lingering damage," seven-time champion Michael Schumacher said on his website. "We are all rooting for him and our thoughts are with him and his family."
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