Kubica: I will returnposted in F111 | 02 | 2011
ROBERT KUBICA has stated he has every intention of being back behind the wheel of a Formula One car before the end of 2011. The Pole, severely injured in a high speed rally crash six days ago in Italy, underwent further surgery today on fractures he picked up in the accident.
But the Renault ace is convinced he will return to the F1 track a better driver once he has recovered. Despite facing up to the reality that he faces a lengthy recovery period — with doctors warning it could take a year for him to get back into an F1 car — Kubica says he is already focusing only on his return.
"I want to get back on the track stronger than ever, because after these accidents you aren't what you were before, you improve," Kubica said from his hospital bed.
"It happened to me in 2007 too, after the crash in Canada. I was out for a race and when I got back I was better. A driver is not just throttle and steering wheel, it's more than that. There's a difference between someone who drives at 80% and who does at 95%: in that 15%extra you find the abilities and the motivations coming out.
"Since 2007, I'm stronger head-wise as a driver. And it will be the same this time again, when I'll be back in good physical shape. I must return this year.
"I remember well my state when, seven years ago, when I was in a car with a friend driving, we were hit by another car driven by a drunk. Back then too, we ended up against an armco barrier and bent it, before falling down a cliff.
"It was the same right arm — massacred. But after four days it didn't feel as good as it feels now, and this reassures me. Dr Ceccarelli did the rest, and he assists me now too.
"I have an insane urge to cut the times with the best possible preparation. I don't even know what a bone is like, but since they are fixing it for me, it's up to me to make it work the way it's supposed to."
And while Kubica explained he has no recollection of the crash which almost cost him his right hand, and resulted in fractures to his legs and arms, he was also positive about his injuries.
"The fingers work, I can feel them, and the arm does too. But I'm undergoing surgery, and I will know only after that...," he said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I'm sorry for what has happened. It shouldn't have. I don't even know what happened; I can't remember anything of the crash. I found myself in hospital and everything was explained by my manager, Daniele Morelli, who has been here since Sunday."
And despite the horrific injuries which still threaten his F1 career, Kubica defended his decision you go rallying.
"Had I not done it, I would have stayed home regretting it," he continued. "So I did it and now I'm in this bed. But rallies aren't just a passion. They are though, severe training for F1.
"I drive better in F1 because I did many rallies last year. Rallying helps your concentration, especially since there is almost no more testing in F1. Performance in F1 comes from a series of details.
"Rallying has allowed me to work on certain aspects of myself where there are still margins to improve. It's important in a season like this with 20 races."
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill