Last operation Kubica successful

Robert Kubica's hopes of returning to Formula One racing received a boost as surgeons in Italy successfully completed the last scheduled operation on the Renault driver.

Kubica sustained a career-threatening injury in a rally car accident in February, needing seven hours of surgery to save his right hand before operations on his shoulder, leg and elbow.

There were fears that the 26-year-old Pole may never race again, nearly losing his right hand.

His Renault team said that Sunday's operation, designed to restore full mobility in his right elbow, was a "total success."

Nick Heidfeld was originally contracted to replace Kubica for the whole F1 season, but the German has been replaced by Brazilian Bruno Senna.