Where does Kubica fit in?

[coetzeeh]

Anyone know if RK will make a comeback to F1?

[scubadude]

coetzeeh said:

Anyone know if RK will make a comeback to F1?

I doubt anyone not intimately involved "knows"

My bet would be- No, sadly.

[joewilliams]

It looks increasingly unlikely

I remember that he had some arrangement with Ferrari, but I can't see them being willing to take the risk.

[Fire99]

I'd say chances are slim to zero. Top teams have top drivers so I wouldn't say any of these teams have a 'gaping hole' that needs filling by a driver with questionable fitness. Harsh but true, I'd guess.

[Vocal Minority]

Judging by management comments originally saying '3 months time', which got put back for 3 months, every 3 months shows that they haven't a clue.

The silence on the issue probably means they are now admitting they don't have a clue. Sadly the Formula 1 circus keeps on rolling, and he may well be forgotten.

[P-Jay]

I'd guess not sadly.

Maybe if he gets fit in the next 6-12 months he might get a development drive or maybe a Marussia/HRT seat at some point in order to rebuild his career, it would be great to see.

I fear he'll never be fit enough again, I have a feeling most people would have had to admit defeat by now and accept a debilitating injury for the rest of their life, and it’s only the determination of resources of an F1 driver keeping the effort going.

Really hope I'm wrong.

Although.... I have heard him linked with Ferrari for 2013

[FourWheelDrift]

He had another operation in June to insert something into his elbow to help him turn left when driving. I don't think he'll be back in F1.

[miln0039]

Funny this has come up and me and my house mate had an extended conversation about it yesterday during the F1 - started by noting how well both Lotus drivers were going (I know the french chap is a bit hit and miss but it's early days he's still pretty good when "on it").

We came to the conclusion that we don't think he'll drive again in F1. Shame really as he was pound for pound one of the best drivers on the grid when we last saw him.

I think his injuries were SO serious that most would see the lasting effects as a disability, so do I see him rejoining the creme de la creme of drivers, given the cornering speeds and core strength required?

No, not even close.

[Jasandjules]

I hope so but I very, very much doubt it - there are many good drivers out there and I truly can't imagine the G-forces placed on a body which has had so many operations etc..

[krissstephen]

He could replace karthakeyan paid for by a higher team to test his fitness.

[Gruffy]

As above, I'd love to see it happen as I also thought he was in the very top tier of drivers. I'm sure he'd be hungry enough to take a pay seat at the back of the grid to showcase his return to fitness. Unfortunately I can't see many top teams taking a gamble on him fresh out of recovery, though I'd love to be proved wrong.

[hiccy]

I think he'll come back, if not next year then the year after. 2014 Ferrari seat?

[NISaxoVTR]

krissstephen said:

He could replace karthakeyan paid for by a higher team to test his fitness.

Could they pay enough? Karthakeyan must be bringing trillions to still be in there.

[Crafty_]

If he did he'd need to bring a stack of cash with him. Too many young guys with budget available now.

[AlpineWhite]

Sadly I suspect it's all over now. Having been out of a car for so long, it'd be a risk; and I'm talking general rustiness. Kimi was at least driving regularly in his time away from F1. Add in his injuries, and a wealth of younger talent knocking at the door, resplendent with suitcases of cash.....

[Teppic]

The only way Kubica will be back in F1 is as a team owner, manager, or TV pundit.

[skinny]

sadly, Kubica only fits into 'lucky to be alive'.

[Rude-boy]

AlpineWhite said:

Sadly I suspect it's all over now. Having been out of a car for so long, it'd be a risk; and I'm talking general rustiness. Kimi was at least driving regularly in his time away from F1. Add in his injuries, and a wealth of younger talent knocking at the door, resplendent with suitcases of cash.....

Can't say I disagree.

I'd have loved to have seen him back but I strongly suspect he will be in the history books in the "What might have been" section with Mr Bellof, pre-Monaco Wendlinger and so on.

[P-Jay]

Interesting bit at the bottom of this

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19097514

He's fitter, that I thought anyway, seems he can drive a road / rally Car ok, it's only nerve damage holding him back (plus rusty racecraft no doubt).

I know from personal experiance never damage can fix itself over time, so I'm more confident than I was before.

[The Stiglet]

P-Jay said:

Interesting bit at the bottom of this

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19097514

He's fitter, that I thought anyway, seems he can drive a road / rally Car ok, it's only nerve damage holding him back (plus rusty racecraft no doubt).

I know from personal experiance never damage can fix itself over time, so I'm more confident than I was before.

Good link. Forgot he was only 27. Who knows?