Reanult team principal Eric Boullier has defended Robert Kubica’s right to go rallying during the off-season.
The Renault driver sustained several fractures following an accident during the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy on Sunday. The extent of his injuries will remain unknown for at least a week, according to his doctors, and he could be out for the entire 2011 season.
Boullier though is adamant the team aren’t at fault for allowing him to compete outside of Formula One.
“Robert is a person we love dearly. We are extremely sad and obviously shocked,” he told Il Vostro Giornale.
“Whether it’s a Lotus, a Renault or a Skoda it doesn’t make any difference – it’s nothing to do with business.”
The Frenchman believes Kubica must be allowed to do what he loves, despite both of them knowing, and today experiencing, the risks.
“We’ve let him do it because rallying is what he loves to do. Rallying is vital for Robert and for his sanity. Besides that, there is a reciprocal agreement. We knew the risks and so did he. We didn’t want a robot or a corporate man for a driver.”
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