Ahead of further surgery to his hand, Polish star Robert Kubica admits he hasn't given up hope of a return to F1.

The Pole's racing career appeared to have been brought to a tragic early end in a rallying accident on the eve of the 2011 season, though damage to his right hand and forearm was bad the 29-year-old was in fact lucky to survive the horror incident involving a guardrail.

Promised that a seat would be kept open for him, Kubica underwent a series of operations whilst at the same time working hard to maintain his fitness. Unfortunately, though the operations were a success, restricted movement in his hand meant that the confines of a single-seater would prove extremely difficult and so he turned his attention to rallying.

Winning a minor rally in Italy in 2012, in 2013 Robert was recruited by Citroen for the European and WRC2, going on to win the inaugural (WRC2) title. He subsequently moved up to the WRC, driving a Ford Fiesta RS WRC prepared by M-Sport, taking the lead of the Monte Carlo Rally through the first two stages.

Looking ahead, the popular Pole admits that he hasn't given up hope of a return to F1.

"Once the season is over I will look at everything," he told BBC Sport. "The arm and hand are OK. From a mobility point of view, there have been some improvements. From a limitation point of view, it's pretty much the same. So I need to have more surgery, and there are possibilities, but it's a tight season, there are many rallies and they are long events.

"Formula One would be a dream to come back but we have to stay realistic," he admitted. "If I decide to try and come back I will have more surgery this winter and maybe with the help of the doctors, and with some luck, it will be possible."