BMW Sauber's Kubica Hopes To Race At Indy

Topics:  Robert Kubica, United States Grand Prix

Anthony Fontanelle
June 13, 2007

Robert Kubica, the first Polish Formula One racing driver, intimated his desire to race at Indianapolis this weekend. After a horrific crash in Montreal in which it was suspected he had a broken leg, Kubica is still aiming to race at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix.

During the recent Canadian Grand Prix, Kubica had a serious accident approaching the hairpin on lap 27 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Pole went off the track after hitting Jarno Trulli's Toyota from behind and hit a hump in the grass, lifting the car's nose into the air and leaving him incapable to brake or steer.

Kubica’s car clipped a barrier, then smashed head-on in to the inside wall of the hairpin. The car then rolled as it came back across the track, striking the wall on the outside of the hairpin. Some of BMW performance parts became airborne, hitting a wall in the centre of circuit, before rolling to halt at the hairpin entry, with little more than its monocoque intact. Eventually, he was removed from the car and taken to the circuit's medical centre, where he was announced to be ‘stable.’ He was then airlifted to the Sacre-Coeur hospital in Montreal by medical helicopter for further checks.

"It seemed a terribly long time, even though it was only minutes before I got the information that Robert is conscious and able to talk," said BMW's Mario Theissen. "According to the first medical reports, Robert has escaped this very heavy accident relatively unscathed."

Trulli was better placed than most to witness the true severity of Kubica’s accident. Kubica ran into, triggering the crash. “I just want to say how delighted I am that Robert Kubica is not badly injured after the accident on lap 27, when we were racing closely. I was shocked about the violence of the accident and very concerned because I had no information,” said Trulli.

Trulli added, “I was struggling with tyre graining and lack of grip. Robert was quicker and I gave him the left-hand side of the track. The last time I saw him in my mirrors he was on that side, then I just got hit at the back and I have no idea what happened. I saw the medical car out for a long period and I was very concerned.”

After a timely and thorough medical attendance, the Pole had just escaped such an injury and was suffering from some bruises and a badly sprained ankle. Less than 24 hours after his high speed accident, the Pole was released from a hospital in Montreal.

He told reporters: "As you can see I'm in quite good shape and hoping to go to Indianapolis if the doctors clear me to drive. I feel good considering. I was very lucky - it was a big accident." Kubica added, "I have no pain and feel well. I want to thank everyone for the medical attention I received and for all the good wishes. I am happy that I have been able to leave the hospital so quickly and will now prepare for the race in Indianapolis." The Polish driver was given the all clear to leave by the local doctors and drove himself away from the hospital in a BMW X5.

Kubica underwent intensive CT-scans and other checks in the Hospital du Sacre Coeur in Montreal. Before being allowed to race in Indianapolis, the Pole will have to undergo further medical checks by the FIA Medical Delegate at the track on Thursday. Under the regulations, BMW Sauber F1 Team has to announce its driver line-up for the weekend until Thursday.

Source:  Amazines.com