His Lotus Renault GP team have confirmed that Kubica suffered “multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand” in the incident, and he has undergone surgery at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure, near Genoa, this afternoon.

The condition of Kubica’s right hand has caused most concern, but the driver’s agent, Daniele Morelli, speaking to reporters outside the hospital, sounded optimistic.

“The surgeons are trying to restore the functions of his right hand,” he said.

“They have already revascularized the limb and repaired the bone structure.

“Now they have to think about the muscular functions but Robert has strong character and he will make it.”

Co-driver, Jakub Gerber, walked away unhurt while Kubica had to be cut clear by firefighters.

The accident is almost certain to rule Kubica out of the start of the Formula One season, which gets under way in Bahrain on March 13.

Lotus Renault reserve driver Bruno Senna is the man most likely to deputise in Kubica’s absence.

Kubica’s accident prompted a flood of messages on Twitter, with many of his fellow drivers keen to offer their support.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso said: “Let’s all support Robert Kubica, who suffered an accident today. Besides a great driver, he is a great person.”

“I’m thinking of Robert, wish him all the best and hope to see him soon on the track and especially off-track as a friend,” said Virgin Racing’s Timo Glock.

Williams veteran Rubens Barrichello Tweeted: “I would like to ask you for your best wishes to Kubica. He is being operated on right now. We all like him and he deserves all the best.”

The crash is reported to have taken place 4.6km into the stage. Kubica’s car left the road and collided with the wall of a church.

Kubica is said to have remained conscious during a lengthy operation to free him from the car before he was airlifted away.

Kubica has had serious accidents in the past, requiring surgery to his left arm after a Formula Three crash in 2003, and then missing the 2007 United States Grand Prix after a spectacular crash in Canada.

He returned to the site of that accident a year later to claim his first, and to date only, F1 grand prix victory.

He finished eighth in the drivers’ standings last season with a best result of second place in the Australian Grand Prix.

Kubica’s hopes for a successful 2011 season were high after he posted the quickest time of the opening pre-season test in Valencia earlier this week.

Morelli confirmed Kubica’s parents were on their way to Genoa.