Lotus Renault GP number one driver Robert Kubica has been airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital following a high speed accident while competing on the Ronde di Andora Rally in Italy this morning. He is currently said to be 'undergoing medical checks'.
It is understood the Pole crashed out in his Skoda Fabia S2000 on the opening stage, about 4-5 kilometres in.
Although his co-driver Jakub Gerber escaped unharmed, Kubica was trapped inside. Current speculation – which it should be stressed is unconfirmed – is that he has multiple fractures and internal trauma. Indeed there are reports he has two broken legs, a broken hip and a badly injured hand, which, Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, is reporting he may now lose the use of. Some sources have also said it might have to be amputated.
With the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship opener in Bahrain now only five weeks away, the accident will cast serious doubt over his participation.
Renault currently has two 'third' drivers on its books, ex-Hispania man, Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean, who actually raced for the Enstone-based squad in 2009, when he replaced the sacked Nelson Piquet Jr.
Fairuz Fauzy, Ho-Pin Tung and Jan Charouz were also named as 'reserves' by Lotus Renault GP at the launch of the new R31 last week, just prior to the start of the three-day pre-season test at Valencia in Spain, where Kubica actually finished up quickest on the combined times.
The next pre-season test is due to start at Jerez later this week, running February 10-13.
The official statement released by Renault this morning after the accident read:
“Lotus Renault GP driver, Robert Kubica, suffered an accident at high speed this morning while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally.
“The driver was airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical checks. His co-driver is fine.
“Lotus Renault GP will issue another statement as soon as more information is known about Robert’s condition.”
More news is expected on Kubica at 15.00 hours British time / 16.00 hours CET.
Latest developments:
Kubica update: Multiple fractures after high-speed crash
Kubica update 2: Hand amputation risk over
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