Kubica to walk on crutches within 'weeks'

Doctors have predicted that injured Lotus Renault GP star Robert Kubica could be walking around with the aid of crutches within just 'weeks', as the Pole continues to convalesce and fight his way back to fitness following the horrific high-speed rallying accident last month that very nearly resulted in amputation.

Kubica was left with a broken arm, broken leg and partially-severed right hand after a piece of guardrail penetrated right the way through the Skoda Fabia RS the 26-year-old was sharing with co-driver Jakub Gerber on the Ronde di Andora Rally in northern Italy in mid-February.

The injuries he sustained have cast considerable doubt over Kubica's career, and he remains in the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure close to Genoa, where he has undergone multiple operations and surgeries. Doctors, however, insist the former Canadian Grand Prix-winner's rehabilitation is progressing apace.

"In a few weeks, it is likely he will be able to walk around [with crutches]," one of them is quoted as saying by AFP. "Robert Kubica is improving and has recovered well from his last operation, on his elbow."