Robert Kubica regains consciousness after major surgery

Renault driver Robert Kubica has regained consciousness as he begins his recovery following seven-hour surgery.



The 26-year-old's right hand was partially severed and he suffered arm and leg fractures when he crashed during a rally in Italy yesterday.



Renault said in a statement that Kubica had been able to move his fingers and had talked to his relatives.



Pole Kubica crashed after his car hit a church wall as he approached the start of the Ronde di Andora rally and it was reported that his Formula One career could be at risk as a consequence of the injuries.



Kubica finished eighth in the drivers' table last season, was in an induced coma overnight after seven hours of surgery before waking this morning.



Kubica was reportedly trapped in his car for more than an hour while specialist cutting equipment arrived at the crash scene before he was airlifted to the Santa Corona hospital near Genoa, where the operation took place.