Robert Kubica’s doctor, Riccardo Ceccarelli, says the Polish drivers return isn’t a matter of ‘if’ but a matter of ‘when’, and he’s certain that will be next season.
Kubica is making good progress following his February rally accident, but it’s yet to be seen whether he will have recovered enough to race competitively next year.
Renault team principal Eric Boullier has set a mid-October date to make his final decision on the Enstone based outfits 2012 driver line-up, but Ceccarelli is certain he’ll be ready.
“I would say that Robert will be an F1 driver in 2012,” he told Omnicorse. “I cannot say exactly when he will make his return, but between the months of November to January.
“Nature must take its course, there are still several aspects that must be kept under control. His muscles were inactive for months and must be given time to recover their tone and strength.
“We have removed the big question: not if, but when he can drive an F1 car,” concluded Ceccarelli.
Meanwhile Kubica’s manager, Daniele Morelli, stressed the importance of getting the 26-year-old back behind the wheel of an F1 car, rather than a simulator.
“Let’s be clear once and for all, perhaps we have created too much attention around the F1 simulator. Robert needs to get back to driving an F1 car.”
Morelli also denied any reports that Kubica could have suffered from any psychological effects following his accident.
“No, he only banged his head. Robert will still demonstrate the ability to drive an F1 car. His talent is still intact.”
