Manager rejects claims from Renault
Last Updated: November 24, 2011 8:37pm
Robert Kubica: Horrific crash in February
Robert Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli has rejected Renault's claim that the driver will not be ready for the start of the 2012 season.
Team principal Eric Boullier had expressed his disappointment Kubica would not be driving in the season-opening race in Australia in mid-March but that claim has now been denied.
Morelli said in Gazzetta dello Sport: "I don't understand why Renault has changed Robert's words.
"It's not true he won't be ready for 2012. He stated he doesn't have certainty that he will be in shape for the first tests in February.
"We count on and hope to be ready, but in any case the delay will be a few months.
"Renault will go its way with regards to the drivers, while we will look for alternative solutions.
"His contract does not extend into 2012. It ends at the end of December, so from January 1 will we be free to go in whatever direction."
Contract
Kubica suffered severe damage to his right forearm, as well as fractures to his right elbow, shoulder and leg, in an horrific crash in a rally in Andorra in February.
After four operations, Kubica has undergone a lengthy period of rehabilitation but has so far not driven a car.
Morelli concedes there have been complications, adding: "Plans have gone out of the window.
"But if Robert comes back that's because he will be competitive like before and attractive for the top teams.
"He is a bit overweight, but his right leg is almost the same as the left one muscle-wise.
"His elbow's external brace will be removed on Tuesday, so from that point on he will be free from that scrap metal.
"The hand's sensitivity is OK. The only limit is strength as the forearm's muscles have been immobilised for a long time so there's a lot of work to do.
"But it's a matter of time, by the end of January the strength should be adequate."
Baffled
However, Boullier is baffled by the latest claims. He said: "We agreed (on the statement) because obviously Robert can't start the season next year with us, or anybody actually.
"We agreed with Daniele to make a communication, at least to inform people what is going on.
"He approved the communication so everything was fine. I can show you the email, and now he is upset with I don't know what.
"He is creating stories from nothing. We have been very clear, I think professional.
"We have waited for him (Kubica) for a long time and we are still waiting for him if he wants to test for us or to assess him or help him."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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