Robert Kubica Will Not Return This Year

Renault chairman Gerard Lopez says that injured driver Robert Kubica’s recovery is “going well” but that he will not return to the grid in 2011.

Kubica – who was in a near-fatal crash while participating in the Ronde di Andora Rally event in Italy back on February 6 – has been working hard to make a comeback to racing this year. In an interview with ESPNF1.com, Lopez said that Kubica was ready to return to the grid mentally, but that it will take more time to recover physically. In the interview, Lopez noted Kubica’s ability to bounce back mentally from big shunts – such as his horrific crash at Canada in 2007 – and that if anyone can overcome such a setback, it is Robert.

Despite making the difficult admission that Kubica will not race in 2011, Lopez did not dwell on whether or not allowing Kubica to participate in rallying was a prudent idea. “I think he’s going to be okay and hopefully we’ll see him in a Formula One car again although I don’t think that will happen this season.” Lopez said. “I’m sure he has regrets at Rallying but that doesn’t do anything for you, it’s all about focusing on coming back.”

This somber news comes on the heels of a somewhat optimistic AUTOSPORT.com report stating that Kubica would be entering a new and more intense phase of his rehabilitation following a final operation on his damaged elbow. The lack of movement in Kubica’s right elbow has been cited as the primary setback in his recovery and return to the grid.