Robert Kubica’s rally crash - Kubica: I’ll be back in F1 this year - 2011

Robert Kubica has spoken publicly for the first time since his rallying accident at the weekend and insisted that he wants to return to the F1 grid before the end of the year.

The Lotus Renault GP driver was left with multiple injuries after his Skoda Fabia crashed into a barrier on the Ronde di Andora rally, with the barrier penetrating the cockpit of the car and leaving Kubica lucky to escape with his life.

Having already undergone surgery in the immediate aftermath of the incident, Kubica is due to undergo further treatment today in hospital in Italy, but he is already thinking about a possible return to F1.

"I want to return this year," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I am really determined to reduce the recovery time with a very defined programme.

"The fingers work and so does the arm - I can feel them. 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.

"Then there will be the countdown to begin preparation. I only have that in mind. I want to return stronger than before."

Kubica added that he had no recollection of what happened in the accident, but he has no regrets over his decision to take part in the rally.

"I really don't know what happened because I don't remember anything of the accident. I just found myself in hospital, and my agent Daniele Morelli has explained everything to me. I am saddened with what has happened. It should not have happened. I am sorry for my mother because I have made her worry and suffer.

"Rallies are my passion. They are a hard training, severe for Formula One. I drive better in Formula One because I have taken part in many rallies. The rallies help you in concentration, considering that in Formula One there are very few tests.

"Rallies have allowed me to work on certain areas that I can improve on. It is important in a season where you have 20 grands prix."