Kubica back on track in six months?

Polish F1 driver Robert Kubica could return to racing in six months.

That is according to former Renault team leader Flavio Briatore who has visited him in hospital.

Kubica was due to drive for the Lotus Renault team during the 2011 season, starting in Bahrain in March.

But he had a major rally crash at the weekend in Italy. He suffered multiple fractures to his right leg, arm and hand after hitting a wall.

He has since been in hospital and had a seven hour operation involving seven doctors.

Following his visit with Kubica, Briatore told journalists outside the hospital he expected to see him back on the circuit sooner rather than later.

"I was really worried because seeing the doctor's reports - they were like acts of war. But I saw that Robert was very calm, we joked and chatted, he was really great", he said.

"I arrived here really worried but Robert is fine and I am convinced he will come out soon and he will get back in the car soon", Briatore said.

Kubica had been tipped for success in 2011 but doctors initially said he would be out for the whole year as he recovered from surgery. The next few days towards determining how soon he will recover.