Renault Still Unsure About Kubica’s Future

With the 2011 season rapidly reaching an end, any respectable Formula 1 team is already gearing up for the 2012 campaign. Obviously, Renault is no exception. After squandering a promising start and making a controversial midseason switch from driver Nick Heidfeld to Bruno Senna, Renault is anxious to fully implement a new strategy. As part of its new program, Romain Grosjean is scheduled to test for Renault during Friday practice at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite these developments, a gaping hole remains in Renault’s plans – what about Robert Kubica?

While on the verge of superstardom at Renault, Kubica suffered life-threatening injuries in a Rallying accident shortly before the start of the 2011 season. His recovery has been understandably up and down. The only constant has been a lack of any details flowing from Kubica’s management team. As the days tick on, Renault is getting understandably restless as it awaits word on a potential Kubica comeback.

“The last information I have is that we will have to sit down and discuss how we can handle his [Kubica’s] comeback, because I don’t believe he can commit in the coming days. In the coming weeks maybe – but not coming days.” Renault boss Eric Boullier stated. “So we have to make sure that we work together on a plan for him to come back. But I still need to have a proper plan to make sure that . . . we go forward in a good way.”

While the word from Kubica’s camp remains upbeat and his manager insists that he will make a comeback to the grid, Renault continues to operate largely in the dark regarding any specifics.

“I know they are very confident and I am happy about this, because I am the first one wishing to have Robert back in the car, but nobody knows. Boullier told Autosport. “Nobody has a medical report and nobody has seen him driving a car and being at speed. Until we see him and have the confirmation then, we cannot say anything. And we need to keep, unfortunately, the option of not having him back. I am in regular contact with his manager, but until he is driving the car we do not know.”

Given the severe nature of Kubica’s injuries – particularly to his right hand – some medical experts are skeptical about his ability to drive competitively again.