The news was positive from Lotus Renault on Monday morning as Robert Kubica recovers from a serious crash in the Ronde di Andora Rally at the weekend.

Kubica, 26, was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after colliding with a wall at high speed while competing in a Skoda Fabia.

He underwent surgery after suffering multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand in the incident - with Kubica's right hand causing most concern.

However, a statement by the Enstone-based team on Monday morning said: 'Robert's general condition is much better today.

'After spending the night under constant observation, he was briefly woken up by the doctors of the Santa Corona Hospital (Pietra Ligure) this morning. The Lotus Renault GP driver was then able to talk to his relatives. He was also able to move his fingers, which is encouraging for the rest of his recovery process.

'Professor Mario Igor Rossello, director for the Regional Centre of Hand Surgery at San Paolo Hospital in Savona, did not notice any swelling or infection on his right forearm, and this is another good sign, although it will be several days before it is known if the operation has been 100pc successful.'

Kubica is likely to rest for the next 24 hours, before doctors consider operating on the Pole's elbow and shoulder fractures

The accident saw co-driver Jakub Gerber walk away unhurt while Kubica had to be cut clear by firefighters.

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

Lotus Renault reserve driver Bruno Senna nephew of former world champion Ayrton is the man most likely to deputise in Kubicas absence.

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

Williams veteran Rubens Barrichello Tweeted: 'I would like to ask you for your best wishes to Kubica. 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 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.