Kubica hospitalized after a rally accident in Italy

Robert Kubica was taken to the hospital in Italy after what was described as a “serious” rally accident.

The driver of the Lotus Renault team was competing in the Rallye Ronde di Andora when he had a serious accident during the opening event, his car hit a wall before striking a barrier. The safety personnel quickly arrived at the scene of the accident, but the Polish driver remained in his car for more than an hour because the equipment to extract him and the firefighters had difficulty reaching the accident. The driver was airlifted to the nearest hospital for arm and leg injuries, although no update on his injuries has been provided. The driver reportedly did not lose consciousness but is suffering from multiple fractures, notably to his hand and a femur, and is currently undergoing medical examinations. An update on the condition of his injuries is expected to be announced in the afternoon. His recovery would therefore be long, and he is not expected to start the 2011 Formula 1 season on March 13 in Bahrain. Kubica has regularly participated in rallies, and his appearance this weekend in the Super 2000 Car is his first.

The manager of the team, Eric Boullier, announced last week that Bruno Senna (ex-HRT) would be his number one choice to take a driver seat because he is the one with the most recent F1 experience.

“I would give the place to the one who is ready,” he said when asked which of his reserve drivers would be used first. “Bruno is the most ready of the drivers.”