Robert Kubica's manager, Daniel Morelli, continues to believe that the Polish driver could return to racing this year.

Ever since Kubica's horrendous crash during a rally in February there have been conflicting reports as to when, indeed if, he might return to the cockpit.

Following Eric Boullier's suggestion last month that the Pole cannot seriously consider a race return until next year - the Frenchman suggesting that Kubica could take part in a Friday practice session later this season - Morelli quickly contradicted him saying: "I wouldn't suggest betting Robert won't be back before the end of 2011".

The Italian, who claims that Kubica's bosses at Renault are not being given the full picture in terms of the driver's recovery, has now said he can envisage the Pole competing in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"Recovery is progressing positively," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The right leg is fine: if that was the problem, then Robert would practically be ready. No, that's not our worry.

"The Italian Grand Prix is held in September, so it's in just three months' time," he continued, "but we can think about the final race of the season. In any case, when Robert gets in the simulator, he'll immediately understand whether he's able to come back, how and when, without the need of a stop-watch."

Kubica, who faces another a final operation on his arm this week, is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation under the guidance of Dr Riccardo Ceccarelli including sessions at Formula Medicine in Viareggio.

The Polish website Fakt has published a number of pictures of Kubica attending Formula Medicine however readers are warned that those of a nervous disposition might be best not to look - in some cases the content is extremely upsetting. (We refer, of course, to his awful T-shirt).