Eric Boullier: Robert Kubica still part of Lotus Renault GP family – Formula 1 news
Team principal of the Formula 1 Renault team Eric Boullier has said that injured driver Robert Kubica is still very much part of their family.
Boullier was visiting Kubica after the Turkish Grand Prix. He said although the Pole was still in the recovering phase, yet the team considers him as one of their own.
Boullier said, “Robert has made another step forward in his rehabilitation process and doctors are pleasantly surprised by the way in which his condition is improving. Even if patience isn’t Robert’s first quality, he is fully aware that rehabilitation could
be quite a long process.”
Kubica underwent four surgeries after he encountered a near-fatal crash in a local event in Italy, weeks before the start of the 2011 Formula 1 season. He was replaced by his BMW Sauber teammate Nick Heidfeld.
Eric added, “Robert is still very much involved, keeping in touch with his engineers, and we have been keeping him informed of every important decision the team has taken. He may not be with us all of the time this year, but he’s very much a part of the
Lotus Renault GP family.”
While Kubica recovers in his home, the Renault team has taken some huge steps in development after which their 2011 car, R31, has shown good competitiveness against some of the bigger teams.
Renault’s current duo of Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov has done well in the opening four races of the 2011 Formula 1 season. With two podium finishes under their belts, Renault are well on course to challenge some of the bigger teams.
Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey has commented that Renault have come up with a brave idea for their exhaust solution which made them a front running team.
For now, Kubica stays home and Nick will enjoy the Renault drive but it will be interesting to see who will be rested if the Pole recovers halfway through the 2011 season.
The fifth race of the ongoing Formula 1 season is scheduled to take place on May 22, 2011 in Spain.
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