Robert Kubica will return to F1 according to his doctor
More and more questions are arising about the 2012 season, particularly concerning Robert Kubica. After suffering a very serious accident at the beginning of the season, the Pole is on the road to recovery but does not currently seem able to be present in 2012, despite the optimistic comments from Doctor Ceccarelli suggesting otherwise.

Victim of a rally accident at the beginning of the season, resulting in his withdrawal and replacement by Nick Heidfeld for this season, Robert Kubica is still recovering and is working physically with the aim of returning to the Lotus Renault GP seat in 2012. All the operations that had been planned for the Pole to regain the use of his arm, hand, and leg have been completed, and now the unknown remains at the level of muscle mass recovery and sensations.
Riccardo Ceccarelli, the doctor taking care of Kubica, is reasonably optimistic: It’s excellent, even though the recovery is gradual. We must not forget that Robert suffered injuries to two out of three nerves and had severe ones to the tendons and muscles; sensations have returned to the fingertips. Significant progress indeed, but it seems quite limited to hope for a return to competition as early as next season.
« It’s true, Robert still has an external fixator on his leg and we are in no hurry to remove it. We are waiting for the hand and elbow to heal […] When we have removed it, he will be able to start working » admitted Dr. Ceccarelli. « The muscles have been inactive for months and they need to regain strength and tone. But the big question – can he drive a Formula 1 car again – has vanished ».
A question that will need to be addressed quite soon, as Eric Boullier recently set a deadline: I will be flexible with my decision, because I appreciate Robert a lot and would like him to make his return. But I need a clear confirmation by the end of October regarding my driver lineup. A countdown-like statement that came in response to Daniel Morelli, Robert Kubica’s agent: Robert will put on a helmet next month (October) to prove what he can do, either in a simulator or in a real race car. This message must be heard and taken into account by Eric Boullier.
An outing that needs to be put into perspective with that of Riccardo Ceccarelli: « I cannot say when he will be ready, but it will be between the months of November and January ». The Swiss manager of the Pole has been more measured this week: « We cannot predict a precise date for Robert’s return, as it is up to nature to take its course. We are very optimistic, and I don’t think a two-week delay can affect the plans. One thing is certain, he is coming back. The only problem is now muscular ».
Interviewed this weekend by Globo Esporte, Eric Boullier has not changed his position regarding this deadline: « If you keep postponing, you risk harming the team’s interests. That is why we need a deadline ». As a reminder, Team Lotus Renault GP will have several options for the next season: besides Robert Kubica, Bruno Senna and Vitaly Petrov – the current driver duo – or even reserve driver Romain Grosjean can aim for an LRGP-branded seat next season.