» Kubica able to move all five fingers

Excellent news has emerged from Italy today, with reports that Robert Kubica has been able to move all five fingers on his injured right hand.

The Pole’s right hand was partially severed in a sickening rally crash last weekend, and the 26-year-old underwent a mammoth seven-hour operation to reattach the severed bloody supply, nerves and tendons – raising questions about his ever being able to return to competition.

To date, officials from the Santa Corona hospital have reported strong progress for the Renault driver following the surgery, with Kubica emerging from an induced coma and the injury showing excellent circulation after surgery.

“It is a great result that Kubica can now move his hand, because the surgery was long and complicated,” said his hand surgeon, Dr Igor Rossello.

But Kubica is required to face further surgery to mend the fractures to his shoulder and foot. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, with a later appointment under the knife to then repair the fracture to his right elbow.

After that, Dr Rossello says that Kubica will face a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

“He will need to work hard every day,” Rossell added.

Kubica also faces an interview with the local Liguria police who are investigating the accident – a typical process in Italy for any road or motorsport accident – in which his Super 2000 Skoda Fabia was skewered by an Armco barrier.