Kubica’s arm injury is long-term - surgeon

Robert Kubica’s hand surgeon has cast doubt on whether the Pole can ever restore the full use of his right arm.

The former BMW and Renault driver’s arm was almost severed in the early-2011 rally crash that ended his promising F1 career.

Kubica has, however, now returned to competitive rally action, and - whilst targeting a full return to formula one in 2014 - has been linked with the Pirelli test seat for next year.

But Igor Rossello, who performed operations on the 27-year-old’s damaged arm, told Poland’s Super Express: "Unfortunately, not even a good and long rehabilitation will lead to a full restoration of (the mobility of Kubica’s) hand."

He said Kubica is currently able to drive a rally car because the driver has much more room to manoeuvre his right arm with limited mobility.

"At the moment it is difficult to predict if Robert will be able to participate in F1 races," he said.