Formula I, accident of Kubica in Italy, yesterday

[Loralee Reach 245]

Kubica set to miss 2011 season as surgeons fight to save his hand

 

Posted 7th Feb 2011 by Tom Webster

Formula One

Doctors have been fighting to save Formula One star Robert Kubica's hand following a crash at a rally in Italy on Sunday. It looks almost certain that the Renault driver will miss the entire 2011 season.

Concern centres on the condition of his right hand, which was reportedly badly damaged and may have been partially severed, although surgeons have indicated it is safe from amputation for the time being.

Professor Mario Igor Rossello, a surgeon involved in the seven-and-a-half-hour operation to reconstruct Kubica's hand, told reporters that it would be several days before doctors could determine whether the hand would be "able to return to full function".

When asked what his estimation would be for a full recovery for Kubica, Rossello replied: "One year. One year is the best provision.

"The danger is that, in five or seven days, we could have vascular problems, and he could have to have surgery again to resolve the problems. However, at the end of the operation, Robert's hand was well vascularised and warm, which is encouraging. I expect him to recover enough functionality to resume his activity."

Renault defended the Polish driver's decision to compete in the Ronde di Andora in a Skoda Fabia 2000.

"Rallying is what he loves to do," Renault team boss Eric Boullier told Italian news agency Ansa. "We knew the risks and so did he. We didn't want a robot or a corporate man for a driver. It was agreed together."

Kubica, 26, also needed surgery in 2003 after a serious road accident as a passenger that left him with titanium bolts in his arm.

Footage has now emerged from the car which immediately followed Kubica's around the tight and twisty road course. Having successfully negotiated the first few minutes of the stage, the team then pulls over to help Kubica when they come across the accident site. Click below to see the video.

[waterrat 1261]

Terrible accident. I have driven roads like that and the lack of protection (armco barriers) is amazing. It seems that they do not bother to put them on the most dangerous curves on the principle that they will only slow down the inevitable. F1 and pro rally drivers have amazing reflexes and superior safety equipment. A reminder to those of us who drive ordinary cars that we need to be careful on those roads.

[Guest AdamK]

Terrible news to hear about Kubica! Great to see that his own competitors pulled over and stopped their race to check on him. This man has had a rough time the last few years and he is such an idol in Poland. Just a few years ago my we were certain we saw someone die right in front of us in Montreal when he hit the wall right in front of our grandstand!