Robert Kubica may not make his return to Formula 1 with Renault in 2012, but rather with Ferrari in 2013, according to paddock speculation.
Whilst much of the focus is on the 2012 driver market, with the possible return of Kimi Raikkonen the focus of much attention. Interest has now turned to 2013 as it looks likely that Kubica, who suffered severe injuries in February following a rally accident, won’t be fit enough to compete.
It’s believed the driver line-up at Renault is now decided with Vitaly Petrov partnering Romain Grosjean. That rules out Kubica making a return, though Friday practice sessions have been marked as a possibility for the Pole.
Several reliable sources have reported that Ferrari and a second ‘top four’ team have made it clear to Kubica’s management that a seat is waiting for him in 2013 if he’s able to return in competitive form.
Whilst the top four aren’t set in stone, it’s likely in reference to Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes. Ferrari is believed to have approached the 26-year-olds management, earmarking him as a replacement for Felipe Massa whose contract expires at the end of 2012.
The second team looks likely to be Red Bull. Mark Webber is expected to either retire or seek a drive elsewhere in 2013, opening up a slot for Kubica or one of its junior drivers.
Whilst McLaren has an opening for 2013, with Lewis Hamilton a free agent after next season, it’s likely he will opt to re-sign to partner the already confirmed Jenson Button.
Mercedes also have an opening for 2013 with Michael Schumacher’s contract expiring, though he too is expected to extend his contract for a single year to partner Nico Rosberg who recently agreed a deal to stay at Mercedes until the end of 2013.
Ferrari is however the most likely option as Kubica already had an agreement in place to join the team in 2013, though that agreement lapsed in June of this year, but proves Ferrari’s interest in partnering him alongside Fernando Alonso.
As of December 31st, Kubica is no longer tied to Renault, and team principal Eric Boullier conceded he is free to look elsewhere if he sees fit.
“The contract is expiring at the end of the year, so he does what he wants,” said Boullier. “We have been fair enough, we have been morally committed and if he wants to drive somewhere else, fine. He does what he wants. I don’t believe there is another place available that is better than ours.”
The move to Ferrari does however hang on whether the one-time race winner can return to his former form, but Ferrari are best placed to aid Kubica’s recovery. They can have him in a two-year old Ferrari lapping the Maranello circuit everyday of the week if necessary, a circuit which is just a two hour drive from his hospital.
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