Kubica vows to return in 2011

Injured Lotus Renault Formula One driver Robert Kubica plans to return to racing before the end of the year.

The Pole is responding well to treatment in a hospital in Italy after suffering multiple fractures to his arm and leg and a partially severed right hand following a crash in Sunday's Ronde di Andora rally.

Kubica, who is to undergo further surgery, is expected to miss the whole of the 2011 season - but he told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I want to return this year. I am really determined to reduce the recovery time with a very defined programme."

Kubica had seven hours of surgery after he was airlifted to a hospital in Savona following the crash where doctors worked to reattach his right hand.

"The fingers work and so does the arm, I can feel them," he said.

"But I still have to undergo another operation and then I will know.

"I cannot move much right now. But I don't have much pain because I'm sedated.

"On Saturday I will be able to know what my condition is after I undergo the double surgery (arm and foot).

"Then there will be the countdown to begin preparation. I only have that in mind.

"I want to return stronger than before."