Fears that Kubica's injuries could be career-ending
Robert Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli talks to journalists at Santa Corona hospital ... he told them: 'Robert has strong character and he will make it' © Associated Press
Robert Kubica will be out of action for up to a year following his crash in a rally event in Italy. However, it is possible the injuries he suffered may bring down the curtain on his Formula One career.
Prof Igor Rossello, who operated on Kubica at the Santa Corona hospital, said the lengthy operation involved the "reconstruction [of] the whole anatomy of the forearm". He continued that while the operation on Kubica's badly-damaged hand had gone well, the next five to seven days were crucial as it was in that period that things could still go wrong.
When pressed, Rossello said it would be a year before Kubica can hope to have proper use of his right arm again, although he added "drivers are always very special patients".
Earlier, comments from his agent, Daniele Morelli, had raised worries that his career was in the balance. He said that surgeons were "trying to restore the functions of his right hand," adding: "They have already revascularised the limb and repaired the bone structure. Now they have to think about the muscular functions but Robert has strong character and he will make it."
If the operation is unsuccessful or only partially works, then he may be left with limited functionality and feeling in his hand. At a time drivers are being asked to press more and more buttons on the steering wheel, this would be very serious.
Kubica's wrecked Skoda after his rally accident © Associated Press
The fractures will heal, although given Kubica already has titanium bolts in his left arm following an accident in 2003 there may well be complications. But tendon damage is much harder and there is also no means of speeding his recovery.
It now seems clear Kubica will not race this season. But the real fear is that he may not return at all.
Many drivers have restrictions in their contracts as to what they can do off track in terms of risky sports or hobbies. Renault did not ban Kubica from rallying as being able to continue was a key part of any contract for him. As recently as November, Morelli said the big teams such as "McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes wouldn't allow it." How Renault must be wishing it had been a little more insistent.
Martin Williamson is managing editor of digital media ESPN EMEA
Credit: ESPN F1 (espn.com)
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