Latest reports confirm that Robert Kubica has suffered serious career-threatening injuries in a rally accident shortly after the start of the Rally Ronde di Andora, driving a Skoda Fabia in the Super2000 category.Kubica crashed when his car left the road at high speed and crashed into a wall. His co-driver, Jacub Gerber, emerged from the wreck unhurt but Kubica remained inside suffering serious right leg and arm/hand injuries, and was airlifted to hospital.
Among those attending him is the Lotus Renault GP team doctor, Riccardo Ceccarelli. Although the injuries are not life threatening, unconfirmed reports suggest that they could be turn out to be serious enough to end his racing career.
A Lotus Renault GP statement confirmed:
“After undergoing extensive medical checks this morning, Robert Kubica has been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand. He is currently undergoing surgery at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure. Daniel Morelli, Robert's manager, will be available for the press in front of the hospital emergency entrance at 16h30 CET."
Although there were fears that the Renault driver would lose his right hand, his manager Daniele Morelli revealed that is not the case.
"Surgeons are trying to re-establish the functionality of his right hand. They have already revascularized 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."
Whatever the true extent of the injuries, it is almost clear that Kubica will not be able to start the season. Lotus Renault GP has a long list of potential replacements – led by officially nominated 3rd driver Bruno Senna, resurrecting the legend of Senna-driven black-gold Lotus – but if Kubica is out for a long time, the team may look for a more talented or a more experienced driver.
Nick Heidfeld, Tonio Liuzzi and Pedro de la Rosa are already available to race but the team might get interested to Force India’s current 3rd driver Nico Hulkenberg who lost his racing seat in Williams by Pastor Maldonaldo.
