FI drivers can’t cut out risk, rallying is good training: Fernando Alonso
Two times world Formula 1 champion, Fernando Alonso, has backed Robert Kubica’s decision to take part in a rally close to the start of the season.
“We need to have something to get some adrenalin out of our system and rallying is good training from an F1 driver's point of view,” he said.
Kubica suffered serious injuries in a high-speed horror crash at the Ronde di Andora rally earlier this month. The Pole will miss the 2011 season, and doctors suggest he may need at least a year to fully recover.
Kubica’s Lotus Renault team has come under heavy criticism by BBC commentators who assert he shouldn’t have gone to rally in such a crucial time. Alonso, however, insists that drivers always face dangers away from the track.
“I train on a bicycle ever day, and a couple of weeks ago a friend and myself were out riding and a truck cut in front us. A few metres nearer and we would have crashed into it. You cannot cut out risk,” he stressed.
The Spaniard who was the first driver to visit Kubica in hospital said he was shocked and surprised on hearing of the crash and feared for his life. The Ferrari ace who has known Kubica for 15 years wished him a speedy recovery, “Now he is recovering well and we hope to see him back very soon in F1.”
Kubica underwent the third and final surgery on his elbow on Wednesday. The doctors said that the surgery was successful, but he will remain in hospital for a few more days before he is discharged.
The Renault team has already named a replacement for Kubica for at least three months: Nick Heidfeld. He was chosen over Renault's first reserve, Bruno Senna, and Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi.
The German will run the new R31 in the Barcelona test session and then in the main events.
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