Robert Kubica has given his first interview since suffering horrific injuries last Sunday in a rally crash.
La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Pino Allievi spoke in Italian with Renault’s Polish driver, as the 26-year-old vowed to "come back stronger than before".
"I don’t remember anything about the accident, but these things make you stronger," said Kubica. "I’m sorry to my mother."
Referring to his worst injury - his right hand that was almost severed by armco barrier that penetrated his Skoda Fabia rally car - he revealed: "The fingers work, the arm as well.
"But only after working really hard will I know for sure."
Veteran journalist Allievi said Kubica’s face was relaxed as he spoke with determination about returning to F1.
"I’ll be stronger as a driver, in the head. I have to return this year. My right arm feels better now than when I was hit by a drunk seven years ago," said Kubica.
He spoke about his passion for rallying.
"It’s a tough workout, severe, for F1 it helps with concentration ... whether I’ll still do it, we’ll see.
"It was nice to see Briatore, an exceptional person. Then Alonso, Lopez, Petrov, Alesi, Liuzzi - beautiful, the track never lets you see the true face of the people."