’Lucky’ Kubica looking ahead to ’long’ recovery

Robert Kubica insists he is "very lucky" despite recovering from horror injuries in an Italian hospital.

The Pole has been replaced at Renault for the start of the 2011 season, and there are doubts as to whether he will return to full fitness in the future.

"There are milestones to be met, and his journey will be long," admitted Santa Corona’s spinal unit chief Antonino Massone, according to La Stampa newspaper.

"For a month, there is the risk of infection. When a bone is exposed for 45 minutes, as it was in this case, it is attacked by bacteria and we need to treat it with antibiotics," he said.

But he hailed the Pole as "extraordinary", and Kubica’s manager Daniele Morelli said he is a good patient "because he is a driver".

"The doctors and physiotherapists, for him, are like the engineers at Renault; adjusting, modifying and correcting the machine for the best result."

The Italian media report said it will be at least three months until it is known if Kubica has recovered enough functionality to drive again in the future.

"I know I’m not in good shape, but I consider myself very lucky," Kubica said.

"I am facing a long and difficult rehabilitation, but I am not worried about that," he insisted.