Kubica hospitalised after rally crash

The Renault Formula 1 driver was contesting the Ronde di Andora rally in a Skoda Fabia when he had a heavy accident on the opening stage.

AUTOSPORT understands that Kubica's car hit a wall at high speed before striking a crash barrier.

According to sources on the event, safety personnel were quickly on the scene but Kubica was trapped in the car for more than one hour because the remote location of the crash meant that extraction equipment and fire engines could not easily reach the scene.

A decision was taken to airlift Kubica to the nearby hospital where he was admitted with leg and arm injuries - although no official statement has yet been made about his condition.

Kubica was transported to Pietra Ligure hospital by helicopter and is currently undergoing medical checks. Team sources confirmed that Kubica remained conscious throughout. His co-driver Jakub Gerber was not injured.

A statement on the extent of any injuries that Kubica has suffered is expected from the hospital later on Sunday afternoon.

Kubica has regularly contested rallies alongside his F1 career in recent years. This weekend's event in Italy was his first appearance in a Super 2000 car.

Should Kubica not be fit for the start of the 2011 season, his Renault team has no shortage of reserve drivers.

However, team principal Eric Boullier made it clear last week that Bruno Senna would be his number one choice to slot into a race seat - because he is the one with the most contemporary F1 experience.

"I will give it to the one who is ready," Boullier said when asked which of his reserves was most likely to be used first. "Bruno is the most ready driver."