Kubica back in an F1 car
Discussion
CaptainSensib1e said:
Does anyone actually have any insight into what happened to his hand? And more importantly how it has recovered? I seem to remember (could be wrong) reading reports back at the time that said he was still OK to race in other series, but there was something about the way you had to drive an F1 car that caused his hand a problem.
That aside, I'm delighted that Bobby K will be back in F1 next year.
It's his wrist and grip that were the issue. F1 requires a lot of wrist movement compared to other series due to cockpit and position constraints, but he has a lot more movement in his wrist now than a few years ago. Grip is less good and as said he has to reply on exerting pressure on his hand rather than gripping to an extent. However I am sure Williams may just have taken a good look at what he is capable of before signing him!That aside, I'm delighted that Bobby K will be back in F1 next year.
He's passed the FIA cockpit extraction tests. He's driven the cars and shown he still has the speed. He's done race distances in testing so he still has the stamina. I don't really think his arm is the big disability that everyone is trying to make out that it is.
For me his biggest issue come Australia next year is that he hasn't actually raced for seven years. Has he still got that sixth sense you need to race in the pack down to T1 on lap 1? I'm sure it won't take him long to get it back, but we might see one or two misjudgements in the early races just because he hasn't been wheel-to-wheel for so long.
For me his biggest issue come Australia next year is that he hasn't actually raced for seven years. Has he still got that sixth sense you need to race in the pack down to T1 on lap 1? I'm sure it won't take him long to get it back, but we might see one or two misjudgements in the early races just because he hasn't been wheel-to-wheel for so long.
cb1965 said:
It's his wrist and grip that were the issue. F1 requires a lot of wrist movement compared to other series due to cockpit and position constraints, but he has a lot more movement in his wrist now than a few years ago. Grip is less good and as said he has to reply on exerting pressure on his hand rather than gripping to an extent. However I am sure Williams may just have taken a good look at what he is capable of before signing him!
He can't close the fingers on his right hand and has had his forearm partially amputated, as well as severe muscle atrophy. Aside from the grip issue, there are so many buttons and switches etc on an F1 wheel, which presumably he'll have to operate with his left hand whilst using his non functioning right hand to press against the wheel for steering?
Which again, IF he can be reasonably competitive just makes this even more of a human triumph story than it already is
skinny said:
Aside from the grip issue, there are so many buttons and switches etc on an F1 wheel, which presumably he'll have to operate with his left hand whilst using his non functioning right hand to press against the wheel for steering?
They will have tested that in the simulator and in the test days. Functions can be remapped and the UI/UX adapted for him. All/most driver wheels are customised anyway.There was some good in-cockpit footage of Kubica driving in the morning practise and Anthony Davidson had some good analysis too. He was showing that he uses his left hand to change gears up and down, and he also uses it to change the buttons also. Very interesting watching his right hand doing essentially nothing and looked like it was 'stuck' on to the wheel - clearly no grip available to him.
The only time he appeared to use his right hand was in the tight corners where he 'pushed' the bottom of the wheel around to help.
I'm a disabled driver (no use of my legs), so I can appreciate how you need to overcome issues, so it's very impressive. I look forward to seeing him compete.
The only time he appeared to use his right hand was in the tight corners where he 'pushed' the bottom of the wheel around to help.
I'm a disabled driver (no use of my legs), so I can appreciate how you need to overcome issues, so it's very impressive. I look forward to seeing him compete.
Damp Logs said:
I know it’s all what ifs, but I think the last ten years would not have been such an easy ride for Lewis if Kubica hadn’t been injured.
REALLY, REALLY hope he does well, and brings something extra to Williams.
But, as others have said, I ain’t paying to watch!!!
Just just watch a hooky stream, there are loads about.REALLY, REALLY hope he does well, and brings something extra to Williams.
But, as others have said, I ain’t paying to watch!!!
Car-Matt said:
I was reading on the BBC earlier that he cant grip the wheel with his left hand but relies on the friction generated by pushing his hand onto it..........
Makes you wonder why the other guys try to be at peak fitness and spend time with these grip exercises etc.
Barmy move by Williams IMO, they must be short on cash to have accepted what Robert brings with him.
Makes you wonder why the other guys try to be at peak fitness and spend time with these grip exercises etc.
Barmy move by Williams IMO, they must be short on cash to have accepted what Robert brings with him.
Its obviously a financial decision. This sadly could be the beginning of the end for Williams. Like Tyrrell. (which funnily enough is direct descendent of Mercedes
Tyrrell - BAR- Honda- Brawn - Merc) A former championship team slowly dying of a thousand cuts and mismanagement until Claire finally sells up.Kubica will be a shadow of his former self IMO. 1 Season and gone. No Podiums, No fastest laps. No race wins. Won't finish above his team mate at year end
The Sky lads were questioning the move too, showed a replay of Max trying to correct a spin and the fact RK has to swap hands to go round some corners, or remove his hand completely etc.. And that's a normal planned corner, let alone a spin at 150mph.
I don't really get the move, other than a PR/Business move for Williams.
I don't really get the move, other than a PR/Business move for Williams.
jsf said:
If Archie Scott Brown could husle those monsters he used to drive with just one arm, I'm sure Robert will do just fine.
Indeed. These days with quick racks and (presumably adjustable) power steering, 1-handed racing is pretty feasible.He won the WRC-2 championship in 2013 so clearly wheel twirling isn’t per se an issue.
Rich_W said:
Kubica will be a shadow of his former self IMO. 1 Season and gone. No Podiums, No fastest laps. No race wins. Won't finish above his team mate at year end
Given Williams' performance for the last few seasons I couldn't argue with no podiums, no fastest laps, no race wins but I'd be surprised if he didn't finish ahead of his team-mate - but regardless of whether he does or not I'm still glad he is back!Rich_W said:
Its obviously a financial decision. This sadly could be the beginning of the end for Williams. Like Tyrrell. (which funnily enough is direct descendent of Mercedes
Tyrrell - BAR- Honda- Brawn - Merc) A former championship team slowly dying of a thousand cuts and mismanagement until Claire finally sells up.Kubica will be a shadow of his former self IMO. 1 Season and gone. No Podiums, No fastest laps. No race wins. Won't finish above his team mate at year end
Podiums, fastest laps and race wins????
You do know that Kubica has signed for Williams and not Mercedes??
HustleRussell said:
Some ballsy predictions there 
Nice selective quoting (and the same s
t from "Danielsan" ) His team mate will beat him by at least 3 places in the overall come season end!
As above, Sky questioning his ability in unexpected situations. Ch4 doing the same thing! Ej was right, if hes ever involved in an accident people will assume (correctly or even incorrectly) its down to his hand. I even wonder about the physical aspect over a race distance.
Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff