Formula One's Robert Kubica Accident
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
Formula One's Robert Kubica Accident
Most of you may not pay attention to Formula One. Being a Rally fan, I didn't either until I found out we had a driver in 2007. I was enthralled having learned of him since my country had been bombarded, oppressed, betrayed, and exploited for over 60 years. Formula One is about top dollar, and never hire drivers from such countries.
Earlier today, our driver Robert Kubica has been in a high speed rally accident that might end his F1 career just one month before the start of the season. He spoke four languages and Italy was his second home. He was rallying in the Northern Italian Riviera (in the Mountains next to Monaco). He hit a barrier that left him unconscious, fractured his right hand, left arm, and left femur to the point of reconstruction. He will not be competing in the 2011 F1 season, and depending on his recovery, his career might be over. He has undergone a seven hour reconstructive surgery.
It was nice to see one of our drivers come from what you see above, to the very top level. Just four days ago, he had set set the fastest time of anybody in Valencia, Spain, and was ready to take Lotus Renault GP to their rightful podiums.
1. Robert Kubica Renault R31 1:13.144 96
2. Adrian Sutil Force India VJM-03 1:13.201 117
3. Jenson Button McLaren MP4-25 1:13.553 105
4. Mark Webber Red Bull RB7 1:13.936 105
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari F150 1:14.017 80
6. Timo Glock Virgin VR01 1:14.207 114
7. Pastor Maldonado Williams FW33 1:14.299 101
8. Sergio Perez Sauber C30 1:14.458 104
9. Michael Schumacher Mercede W02 1:14.537 110
10. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso STR6 1:14.801 73
11. Narain Karthikeyan HRT F110 1:16.535 63
12. Jarno Trulli Lotus T128 No time 38
I call for you to keep him in your thoughts and pray for his recovery.
Earlier today, our driver Robert Kubica has been in a high speed rally accident that might end his F1 career just one month before the start of the season. He spoke four languages and Italy was his second home. He was rallying in the Northern Italian Riviera (in the Mountains next to Monaco). He hit a barrier that left him unconscious, fractured his right hand, left arm, and left femur to the point of reconstruction. He will not be competing in the 2011 F1 season, and depending on his recovery, his career might be over. He has undergone a seven hour reconstructive surgery.
It was nice to see one of our drivers come from what you see above, to the very top level. Just four days ago, he had set set the fastest time of anybody in Valencia, Spain, and was ready to take Lotus Renault GP to their rightful podiums.
1. Robert Kubica Renault R31 1:13.144 96
2. Adrian Sutil Force India VJM-03 1:13.201 117
3. Jenson Button McLaren MP4-25 1:13.553 105
4. Mark Webber Red Bull RB7 1:13.936 105
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari F150 1:14.017 80
6. Timo Glock Virgin VR01 1:14.207 114
7. Pastor Maldonado Williams FW33 1:14.299 101
8. Sergio Perez Sauber C30 1:14.458 104
9. Michael Schumacher Mercede W02 1:14.537 110
10. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso STR6 1:14.801 73
11. Narain Karthikeyan HRT F110 1:16.535 63
12. Jarno Trulli Lotus T128 No time 38
I call for you to keep him in your thoughts and pray for his recovery.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
Here you can see how lucky he and the co-driver were to have survived. The guardrail went through the whole car in between both drivers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifltgPlA-uk
You can see the guardrail pierced right through the entire car in this video.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
Here's the computer generated model of what happened:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhRDKrNiWP0
All of the F1 teams are paying tribute and have replaced their advertisements with Polish message that reads "Speedy Recovery Robert."
Virgin Racing:
Lotus Racing:
Mclaren/Mercedes F1:
Renault F1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhRDKrNiWP0
All of the F1 teams are paying tribute and have replaced their advertisements with Polish message that reads "Speedy Recovery Robert."
Virgin Racing:
Lotus Racing:
Mclaren/Mercedes F1:
Renault F1:
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
*Update* German Nick Heidfeld replaces Kubica for 2011. Kubica is in good and stable condition after reconstructive surgery on his severed hands and legs. He has undergone intensive surgeries during these past two weeks involving 15 top-level surgeons that cut bone fragments from his hip and attached them to his arms, reconstructed severed hand and leg, rebuilt vascular tissue and reattaching nervous system. They put him on pain killers.
Here is Top Gear wishing him well. I thought that was really nice of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BYD6J5vEfs
Here is Top Gear wishing him well. I thought that was really nice of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BYD6J5vEfs
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
I brought this back to post this up:
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...1/3/11788.html
Some of the comments (from a few days ago) are just funny, especially the one by Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button, Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...1/3/11788.html
Some of the comments (from a few days ago) are just funny, especially the one by Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button, Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
Update for 2012:
Robert Kubica has today informed Lotus Renault GP that, despite having started an intensive training programme, it is still too early for him to commit to driving in the 2012 championship. Robert’s progress remains impressive – he can now walk freely, and move his hand and elbow -, but he feels that he needs more time to return to full fitness.
Lotus Renault GP remains committed to helping Robert as much as possible in his recovery process. A test car is ready and waiting for him, and a dedicated crew is on stand-by. Of course, Robert will remain a member of the LRGP family in 2012 and he is already, through his management, holding talks about renewing his contract for the following season.
Once again, all the members of Lotus Renault GP wish Robert a full and speedy recovery as we say: “Szybkiego powrotu do zdrowia” - Get well soon our friend.
Robert Kubica: “Even if I’ve been working very, very hard over the course of the last few weeks, I came to the conclusion that I am not yet certain to be ready for the 2012 season,” said the Polish driver. “I have called the team and I have informed them of the situation. This was a difficult decision to make, but it is the most reasonable one.
I also know that LRGP need to prepare for next year, and further extending deadlines would not have been the right thing to do. On a personal level, my recovery is still very encouraging and my doctors keep being impressed. I just need more time, as I want to be 100 percent ready before I commit to anything driving related.
“Finally, I regret not having been able to provide more news and not having appeared in the papers, and I thank my friends of the media for understanding that this has been the best way for me to cope with what has been the most difficult period of my life.”
He's lucky to be alive, and lucky to have his arm stitched back although it seems like the recovery and rehabilitation process takes a lot of gradual time and effort.
Robert Kubica has today informed Lotus Renault GP that, despite having started an intensive training programme, it is still too early for him to commit to driving in the 2012 championship. Robert’s progress remains impressive – he can now walk freely, and move his hand and elbow -, but he feels that he needs more time to return to full fitness.
Lotus Renault GP remains committed to helping Robert as much as possible in his recovery process. A test car is ready and waiting for him, and a dedicated crew is on stand-by. Of course, Robert will remain a member of the LRGP family in 2012 and he is already, through his management, holding talks about renewing his contract for the following season.
Once again, all the members of Lotus Renault GP wish Robert a full and speedy recovery as we say: “Szybkiego powrotu do zdrowia” - Get well soon our friend.
Robert Kubica: “Even if I’ve been working very, very hard over the course of the last few weeks, I came to the conclusion that I am not yet certain to be ready for the 2012 season,” said the Polish driver. “I have called the team and I have informed them of the situation. This was a difficult decision to make, but it is the most reasonable one.
I also know that LRGP need to prepare for next year, and further extending deadlines would not have been the right thing to do. On a personal level, my recovery is still very encouraging and my doctors keep being impressed. I just need more time, as I want to be 100 percent ready before I commit to anything driving related.
“Finally, I regret not having been able to provide more news and not having appeared in the papers, and I thank my friends of the media for understanding that this has been the best way for me to cope with what has been the most difficult period of my life.”
He's lucky to be alive, and lucky to have his arm stitched back although it seems like the recovery and rehabilitation process takes a lot of gradual time and effort.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
*Update* Robert is in rehabilitation, walking and jogging, however it looks like his driving career is over. He cannot pick up and drink a glass. Nigel Mansell, Bernie Ecclestone, Jackie Stewart and everyone all agree he would have been future world champion without any doubt if it wasn't for his accident.
I keep hoping and wishing, despite the grim outlook.
I keep hoping and wishing, despite the grim outlook.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Vehicle: Hyundai Tiburon FX
I don't bring this thread back until something major happens. Something major has happened!
Robert Kubica has signed with Citroen to compete in some WRC rallies and the entire ERC championship for 2013. He says he will stay there for two years and compete for the title in 2015.
If you live in any of these countries, you will be able to see him as well as on television.
ERC Schedule (Kubica will drive in ALL of these):
Spain Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés - Tarmac - 21—23 March
Portugal SATA Rallye Açores - Gravel - 25—27 April
France Tour de Corse - Tarmac - 16—18 May
Belgium GEKO Ypres Rally - Tarmac - 27—29 June
San Marino Rally San Marino2 - Gravel - 11—13 July
Romania Sibiu Rally Romania - Gravel - 25—27 July
Czech Republic Barum Czech Rally ZlÃ*n - Tarmac - 30 August—1 September
Poland Rally Poland Gravel 13—16 September
Croatia Rally Tarmac 26-28 September
Italy Rallye Sanremo Tarmac - 10—12 October
Switzerland International Rallye du Valais - Tarmac - 7—9 November
WRC schedule (Kubica will drive in SOME of these):
8–10 March - 26o Rally Guanajuato México - Gravel
11–14 April - 47o Vodafone Rally de Portugal - Gravel
3–5 May - 33o Philips Rally Argentina - Gravel
31 May–2 June - 59th Acropolis Rally - Gravel
21–23 June - 10o Rally d'Italia Sardegna - Gravel
2–4 August - 63rd Neste Oil Rally Finland - Gravel
23–25 August - 31. ADAC Rallye Deutschland - Tarmac
13–15 September - 22nd Coates Hire Rally Australia - Gravel
4–6 October - Rallye de France – Alsace 2013 - Tarmac
25–27 October - 49o Rally RACC Catalunya – Mixed
15–17 November - 69th Wales Rally GB - Gravel
Piero Ferrari (Enzo's son) confirmed that he was supposed to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari in Formula 1 last year. His right hand is completely stiff
and numb.
This is footage of him dominating rallies last season using only his left hand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzoZbn0slo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMqiCVamh-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7E91d0sQTw
Robert Kubica has signed with Citroen to compete in some WRC rallies and the entire ERC championship for 2013. He says he will stay there for two years and compete for the title in 2015.
If you live in any of these countries, you will be able to see him as well as on television.
ERC Schedule (Kubica will drive in ALL of these):
Spain Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés - Tarmac - 21—23 March
Portugal SATA Rallye Açores - Gravel - 25—27 April
France Tour de Corse - Tarmac - 16—18 May
Belgium GEKO Ypres Rally - Tarmac - 27—29 June
San Marino Rally San Marino2 - Gravel - 11—13 July
Romania Sibiu Rally Romania - Gravel - 25—27 July
Czech Republic Barum Czech Rally ZlÃ*n - Tarmac - 30 August—1 September
Poland Rally Poland Gravel 13—16 September
Croatia Rally Tarmac 26-28 September
Italy Rallye Sanremo Tarmac - 10—12 October
Switzerland International Rallye du Valais - Tarmac - 7—9 November
WRC schedule (Kubica will drive in SOME of these):
8–10 March - 26o Rally Guanajuato México - Gravel
11–14 April - 47o Vodafone Rally de Portugal - Gravel
3–5 May - 33o Philips Rally Argentina - Gravel
31 May–2 June - 59th Acropolis Rally - Gravel
21–23 June - 10o Rally d'Italia Sardegna - Gravel
2–4 August - 63rd Neste Oil Rally Finland - Gravel
23–25 August - 31. ADAC Rallye Deutschland - Tarmac
13–15 September - 22nd Coates Hire Rally Australia - Gravel
4–6 October - Rallye de France – Alsace 2013 - Tarmac
25–27 October - 49o Rally RACC Catalunya – Mixed
15–17 November - 69th Wales Rally GB - Gravel
Piero Ferrari (Enzo's son) confirmed that he was supposed to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari in Formula 1 last year. His right hand is completely stiff
and numb.This is footage of him dominating rallies last season using only his left hand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzoZbn0slo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMqiCVamh-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7E91d0sQTw