Robert Kubica's return to full fitness suffered a major setback on Wednesday after he broke his leg during a fall.
Italian news agency ANSA says the Pole, who is still recovering following his horrific crash during the Rally of Andora in February 2011, slipped on an icy road close to his home in Pietrasanta, Italy, and hurt his right leg.
It was not clear how serious the injury was, but some reports suggest he reopened the fracture that he sustained in the rally accident last year.
He underwent X-rays on his leg at the Versillia hospital in Viareggio but then left, saying he wanted to go to the clinic in Pietra Ligure, southwest of Genoa, where he had been treated after his crash.
The 27-year-old was forced to sit out the entire 2011 campaign following the crash before pre-season.
His Formula One future was in doubt before Wednesday's accident after Lotus confirmed he would miss the start of this season and named Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean as their drivers.
