Kubica hurt in rally crash - report

Renault driver Robert Kubica has suffered serious injuries after crashing a car during a rally in Italy, according to reports.

The 26-year-old Pole was taking part in the Ronde di Andora Rally near Genoa when he left the road at high speed and crashed into a wall.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Kubica was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his arm and hand. His co-driver, Jakub Gerber was unhurt.

The start of the Formula One season is just over a month away, with the first grand prix to be held in Bahrain on March 13.

In a statement, Lotus Renault GP confirmed Kubica was airlifted to hospital but gave no details of his condition.

"Lotus Renault GP driver, Robert Kubica, suffered an accident at high speed while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally," the statement said. "The driver was airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital where he is currently undergoing medical checks. His co-driver is fine.

"Lotus Renault GP will issue another statement as soon as more information is known about Robert's condition."

The crash is reported to have taken place 4.6km into the stage. Kubica's car, a Skoda Fabia, left the road and collided with the wall of a church.

Kubica is said to have remained conscious during a lengthy operation to free him from the car before he was airlifted away.

Kubica has had serious accidents in the past, requiring surgery to his left arm after a Formula 3 crash in 2003, and then missing the 2007 United States Grand Prix after a spectacular crash in Canada. He returned to the site of that accident a year later to claim his first, and to date only, F1 grand prix victory.