Kubica Shocked by Polish Plane Crash in Russia

Renault driver Robert Kubica admitted his shock after finding out that his native country Poland president Lech Kaczynski has lost his life in a plane crash near the city of Smolensk, Russia. While heading to Russia for an official visit, the presidential flight crashed in foggy conditions yesterday morning.

Apart from the president of Poland and his wife, the plane was carrying several other dignitaries – there were almost 100 people on board – none of which have survived. The Polish politicians were on their way to a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre (in which Polish officers were killed) during World War II.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of this tragedy, which is unprecedented for our nation. A day of remembrance for the victims of Katyn has become one of deep mourning for the people of Poland,” said Kubica, the first and only Polish driver to ever set foot in Formula One.

“I send my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and my thoughts are with every one of my fellow Poles, who have all been deeply affected by this tragedy,” added the Renault racer, via a press release. He is currently partnering Vitaly Petrov, the first Russian driver to compete in F1.

A week of national mourning has been declared in Poland following the crash, which left Poland without its president, Army chief of staff, central banker, deputy foreign minister, deputy parliamentary speaker and several parliament members. An investigation on the causes of the crash was immediately launched by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.