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{ Liuzzi focusing on Kubica recovery(UKPA) – 1 hour ago

Vitantonio Liuzzi has sidestepped questions about the possibility of replacing Robert Kubica at Lotus Renault this season, insisting the stricken Pole's recovery is the priority.

Kubica's motorsport career remains in the balance despite encouraging progress in his recovery from serious injuries sustained on Sunday, when his right hand was partially severed in an accident on the Ronde di Andora Rally.

The 26-year-old could face a year out of Formula One and, while Liuzzi has been mentioned as a potential replacement, he told 422race.com: "Personally, at the moment I think Robert's health is the first thing. Then, it's obvious that when Renault are sure that Robert won't be able to step in the car, this chance might be open and I hope to be chosen instead of somebody else. But, again, at the moment Robert's health is the priority."

Kubica has been brought out of a coma induced after the operation and his condition has been described as "much better" by his team.

He was able to move his fingers on his damaged hand and communicate with members of his family, before being placed under medication in order to sleep.

Doctors warned, however, that it would be a further six days before it is known whether the operation to reconstruct his hand has been a success.

Liuzzi, who visited the Santa Corona hospital in Pietra Ligure where Kubica is recovering, added: "I didn't see him personally. But I spoke to the doctors, his manager and Dr Ceccarelli (Lotus Renault GP's doctor): the people who are closest to him and who saw him. It seems that everything is going the right way and he is recovering right.

"For sure the first 4-5 days will be the most critical ones, but at the moment everything seems to go well."

Kubica faces the prospect of further major surgery in the coming days, with doctors evaluating how best to treat fractures to the elbow and shoulder of his right arm. He also suffered fractures to his right leg - injuries which in themselves could take three to four months to heal.

Sunday's crash saw Kubica's Super 2000 Skoda Fabia collide with a crash barrier on the outside of a fast right-hand turn on the first special stage of the rally.

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