Vitantonio Liuzzi, a good friend of Robert Kubica, is hoping that the Renault team will consider him as a suitable replacement for the 2011 season.
It is becoming increasingly clear that 26-year-old Kubica won’t be able to compete for the majority of the season, with surgeon’s admitting they are unsure of when his injuries will heal to an extent that he’ll be able to compete in Formula One again.
This unfortunate event could present an opportunity for the Italian to remain on the grid after Force India opted to run Paul di Resta in his place. Liuzzi is adamant though that the Pole’s health is his main priority.
“I have spoken to many, not those directly involved, but many journalists,” he told 422Race. “Personally, I believe that Robert’s health is the first priority.
“Then, it is normal that when Renault are sure that Robert will not be able to drive, there might be this chance [to fill in] and I hope it would be me rather than another driver. But then again, Robert’s health is the top priority.”
It may seem disrespectful to discuss the Renault drivers replacement just days after he suffered his injuries in a horrifying rally accident, but F1 is a sport which never stands still.
It’s not surprising that the outfit will already be looking for a reserve. Kimi Raikkonen is a name which has been thrown around, however the Finn is unlikely to drop rallying for a sport he has fallen out of love with.
Other names include Renault’s reserve drivers, Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean. Whoever they choose, nobody can replace Kubica.
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