Kubica: Bored With Doing Nothing

Topics:  Robert Kubica

Anthony Fontanelle
June 26, 2007

Asked what he has been doing since the Indy race, Robert Kubica said: "I am pretty bored with doing nothing. I am not used to resting for such a long period - no test, no pr days. But, of course, I have used the time for my fitness preparation in Italy and am also in constant contact with Josef Leberer, our team's physio."

BMW Sauber’s Kubica missed the United States Grand Prix after the FIA doctors did not give him the green light to race. The Pole will undergo further checks in France next week before he is given the go-ahead for the Magny-Cours event.

Kubica said that his terrible crash in Montreal would not change his driving style. "No, definitely not," he stressed. The Pole escaped with some bruises and a sprained ankle from a 230 km/h impact against a wall after going off track in Montreal. Kubica admitted that he has actually felt encouraged by the safety standards following his accident.

"I always knew that with a single seater and open wheels an accident like this could happen. Also it can always happen again. This is the same for every driver and we are all aware of it. I feel what happened is more encouraging than worrying thanks to the outcome that you still can climb out without being hurt,” said the 22-year-old Formula One driver.

He added, “The improved safety regulations from the FIA plus the 'safety first' approach of our BMW Sauber F1 team engineers and designers have made this possible. I would like to say a big personal thank you to all of them. If I had been born earlier I would have still wanted to race in Formula One, but most likely would have suffered injuries.”

Aside from safety regulations, the Pole was also protected by his reliable race car parts - , monocoque, and more. He noted, “I feel I am lucky to be racing in modern Formula One. If I had been born earlier I would have still wanted to race in Formula One, but most likely would have suffered injuries.”

How was the reaction in Poland? “Although I did not go to Poland I know from my family that my accident in Montreal was quite a shock. The 30 minutes after the accident were very tough for my relatives in Poland until they got the information that I was not injured," he shared.

As for the next event, the Pole is looking forward to returning to the race track but the decision remains beyond his control. "Well, as I said, I can't wait to race! But whether I am allowed to or not is down to the decision of the official doctors, who I have to see before the race in Magny-Cours."

Separately, it was reported that BMW Sauber and Red Bull are planning to ‘swap’ drivers. And Kubica is the latest name to get a mention. While the Pole recovers from his 75G impact in Montreal, rumors in the German press suggest that Red Bull team owner Dietrich Mateschitz is keeping a keen eye on the Polish driver.

'Bild' newspaper cited possible talks between Mateschitz and Kubica's current boss Mario Theissen, with BMW said to be keen to make room for test driver Sebastian Vettel in 2008 after he replaced injured Kubica at Indy.

The fact that Red Bull could be a 'loan' destination for Kubica is appealing, as Vettel is already jointly contracted to the energy drink and wears its colors on his helmet. The Pole has a BMW deal for 2008, making a straight contract swap within the bounds of possibility.

Source:  Amazines.com