Kubica wanted by Ferrari to replace Massa for 2013 Formula One season
By SIMON CASS
Last updated at 11:22 PM on 23rd November 2011
Robert Kubica could make his return to Formula One with Ferrari despite ruling himself out of the start of the 2012 season as he struggles to recover from the horrific injuries suffered in the rally crash which almost cost him his life.
Kubica’s contract with Lotus Renault, who will be known simply as Lotus next season, expires at the end of the current campaign with the Polish driver having been unable to compete this season.
And while Kubica is already in talks with his current employers, Ferrari are understood to be keen to sign the hugely talented driver to replace the underperforming Felipe Massa for the 2013 season.
Kubica is understood to be facing around another six months of recuperation from after undergoing several operations to repair the damage to his partially severed right forearm and numerous fractures to his right elbow, shoulder and leg.
Back in contention: Kubica could join Ferrari in 2013
He requires one more operation to remove a pin from his elbow which should hopefully allow him to resume full physical training regime.
Ferrari are believed to be ready to offer Kubica the chance to test one of their cars when arduous recuperation is complete to prove he has lost none of the speed and skill which made him one of the most highly rated drivers in Formula One prior to his accident in February.
In addition, Red Bull have also been linked with a move for Kubica for 2013 should they decide to part company with veteran Mark Webber when the Australian’s contract expires at the end of next season.
To keep such tantalising avenues open, Ferrari being the most serious option, Kubica will have to risk rejecting Lotus Renault’s offer of a new deal.
‘This was a difficult decision to make, but it is the most reasonable one,’ said Kubica regarding his comeback from his stomach-turning smash in the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy which saw the cockpit of his Skoda Fabia speared by a crash barrier.
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‘My recovery is still very encouraging and my doctors keep being impressed. I just need more time, as I want to be 100 per cent ready before I commit to anything driving-related.
‘Even if I’ve been working very, very hard over the course of the last few weeks, I came to the conclusion that I am not yet certain to be ready for the 2012 season.’
A statement from Kubica’s current team read: ‘Lotus Renault GP remains committed to helping Robert as much as possible in his recovery process.
A test car is ready and waiting for him, and a dedicated crew is on stand-by.
‘Of course, Robert will remain a member of the LRGP family in 2012 and he is already, through his management, holding talks about renewing his contract for the following season.’
Meanwhile, Lotus Renault team principal, Eric Boullier, has already turned his thoughts as to who will replace Kubica next year — Nick Heidfeld and Bruno Senna having filled in with limited success this year.
Reserve driver and GP2 champion, Romain Grosjean, remains favourite and will drive in tomorrow’s (FRI) first practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix, the final race of the 2011 campaign. Boullier added: ‘We will start talking to a few drivers in order to finalise our line-up for next year as soon as possible.’
Credit: The Daily Mail (www.dailymail.co.uk)
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