Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica injured in rally crash

Formula 1 star Robert Kubica has suffered fractures to his left arm and left leg after a high-speed rally crash in Italy, BBC Sport understands.

The 26-year-old Pole crashed into a church wall and was air-lifted to a hospital near Genoa.

A spokeswoman for his British-based Renault team told Reuters the driver was conscious and a statement would be issued shortly.

It looks unlikely he will be ready for the new season, starting on 13 March.

Kubica's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, but following surgery to his left arm in 2003 after crashing in a Formula 3 race, there may be some doubts about his ability to continue in the sport.

Reports suggest that Kubica was 4.6km from the start of the Ronde di Andora rally when the crash occurred. It is believed his co-driver Jakub Gerber was unhurt.

Kubica regularly competes in rallies and was driving on Sunday a week after testing the new Lotus-backed Renault in Valencia ahead of the opening Formula 1 race in Bahrain.

He was an impressive performer last season to finish in eighth position in the drivers' table, securing second at Melbourne and a third in Monaco and Belgium.

Kubica also suffered a bad crash at the Canadian Grand Prix in 2007 and was forced to miss one race. He returned a year later to claim his first Formula 1 victory.