Robert Kubica

Robert Kubica is the first polish driver to compete in the Formula 1 races, who drives for the team Renault from 2010. On 6 February 2011, Kubica was injured in a crash on the first stage of the Ronde di Andora rally. He was driving a Super 2000-specification Skoda Fabia, in Testico when his car left the road at high speed and hit a crash barrier, near the church of San Sebastiano. Kubica was trapped in the car for more than an hour before rescue workers were able to extricate him. He was flown by helicopter to Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure near Savona, where it was confirmed that he had suffered partial amputation of his forearm, compound fractures to his right elbow, shoulder and leg, as well as significant loss of blood. The severity of his injuries was the result of the crash barrier penetrating the car’s cockpit, and hitting Kubica, while leaving his co-driver unscathed.

Kubica underwent a seven hour operation by seven doctors split into two teams, without complications. Two more lengthy operations to repair fractures to his leg, shoulder and arm were performed successfully a few days later. “The condition of his hand will not be clear for some time and it is possible that he will miss the entire 2011 season”, the doctor team said.

Renault team Principal Eric Boullier remains optimistic about Robert Kubica’s progress, as the Polish driver continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in a rally crash back in February. Boullier visited Kubica in Italy after Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix and reported back to the Renault factory on Tuesday.

“Robert has made another step forward in his rehabilitation process and doctors are pleasantly surprised by the way in which his condition is improving,” Boullier explained. “Now, it is a matter of time, and even if patience isn’t Robert’s first quality, he is fully aware that rehabilitation could be quite a long process.” Kubica underwent three bouts of surgery in the immediate aftermath of the accident, which repaired serious injuries to his right forearm, foot, shoulder, and elbow. He was discharged from hospital late last month and has now entered the second phase of his treatment, which will entail heavy rehabilitation aimed at restoring functionality.

Although the focus has switched, Kubica will undergo several further routine operations over the coming weeks, the first of which was completed without hitch on Tuesday. Despite concentrating his full attention on his rehabilitation, Kubica is determined to keep up to date with news from the team.

“We spoke about the latest developments of the car and of the team, and he was also interested to hear more on the details of the R31, tyres and strategies,” added Boullier. “Robert is still very much involved, keeping in touch with his engineers, and we have been keeping him informed of every important decision the team has taken. He may not be with us all of the time this year, but he’s very much a part of the Lotus Renault GP family.”

With no decision about a possible return to Formula One racing expected until later in the year, Kubica’s seat at the team is temporarily occupied by his former BMW Sauber team mate Nick Heidfeld. In the 2010 season Kubica shared 6th place in the titles’ with 136 points last year.

Tags: Driver, Eric Boullier, F1, Formula 1, Formula One, Grand Prix, Motorsports, Renault, Robert Kubica