Renault driver Robert Kubica has had to have major surgery after suffering multiple injuries in a rally crash in Italy on Sunday 6th February 2011.
Kubica emerged from the crash with fractures in his right hand, arm and leg; his co driver was unhurt in the incident. Reports from Italy said the Renault driver was stuck in the car for an hour before specialist cutting machinery arrived to remove him. He was immediately rushed to hospital where he went in to surgery after losing a lot of blood. It is thought that the injuries were caused by a piece of crash barrier penetrating the footwell of the car, which would explain the injuries to the right and not the left.
Worries about Hand
Doctors were worried they may have to amputate his hand because the flow of blood to it was dropping. Eric Boullier spoke to BBC’s David Croft to confirm that his hand would be OK, but they weren’t sure how well it would work. It is too early to tell whether the injuries could end his career; he is not expected to be well enough to race in the first few races of the season. Kubica suffered another serious accident in 2003 which left him with titanium bolts in his arm.
The Pole was taking part in Ronde di Andora Rally when he hit the wall of a church while driving to the start of the stage. He had come to the event after three day’s testing in Valencia during the week, where he topped the timesheets on the final day. Drivers, journalists and fans have all been expressing their concern and wishes for his health. Kubica should have been racing this season alongside Vitaly Petrov, but Renault will have to find a replacement for as long as he is out.
Who Will Race for Kubica?
Possible replacements for the Pole will be the two test drivers Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean. Senna raced with the Hispania Racing team last season, but had to look elsewhere when the team said he definitely wouldn’t be racing for them. Grosjean took part in six races with Renault in 2009 after Nelson Piquet Jr was sacked in the ‘crashgate’ saga. Between them they only have a season and a half experience.
Renault may opt for a slightly more experienced driver to head up the team, as Petrov has only raced for one season also. It is difficult to think who that could be with all the experienced drivers signed in to contracts. With just over a month to go before the 2011 season Renault will have to think quickly for a replacement.
Sadhbh O'Shea - Sadhbh O'Shea has a degree in sports journalism and a masters in sports broadcast. She has been writing for many years and worked for ...
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