Alonso: « Kubica will be back behind the wheel of an F1 »

While Robert Kubica is expected to undergo a new elbow operation in the coming weeks, initially scheduled for July, Dr. Burkhard Nuppeney has brought reassuring news about the Polish driver’s rehabilitation: « Kubica will probably never fully regain the functionality of his arm, but he has regained dexterity in most of his fingers, although the middle finger is still problematic. On the other hand, the mobility of his thumb is comparable to that of a healthy person. »

The Polish driver is reportedly planning a return at the Brazilian Grand Prix, for the closing round of this 2011 season and recently stated: I like having a goal when it’s a realistic goal. We will see how the next few months go in terms of my rehabilitation and then we will make a decision when the time comes. What is important is that I know my team is keeping my seat for me, no matter when I need it.

However, Gérard Lopez, owner of the British team, dismissed any possibility of it last May: « Maybe he can do some Friday testing at some point, but a return to racing this season will not be possible. » On his part, Daniele Morelli, manager of the LRGP driver, opposed this idea, arguing that « if Robert returns, he doesn’t want favors or kind intentions »: a viewpoint shared by Fernando Alonso.

« If you had experienced as much and endured as much suffering as Robert, you would only want to come back for one reason: to have the same goals as before » confides the Ferrari driver, a friend of the Pole. « We cannot propose testing to him like a rookie driver. He is the main driver, it would only be fair. It will be up to him to assess if he is up to the task or if he needs more preparation. »

However, even if he manages to overcome the physical aftermath—after all, Jean-Pierre Beltoise did win in Monaco with his left elbow locked—it remains to be seen if he will be able to fight against the psychological aftermath, the same ones cited by some observers to explain Felipe Massa’s current poor form. Fernando Alonso is convinced that his friend Robert Kubica will manage to turn the page: « The accident was unfortunate and a man of his caliber can rid himself of his fears and anxieties, especially since this accident had nothing to do with Formula One, but with another category. Robert is very fast and will be back at the wheel of a Formula One car. »