Kubica sustained serious hand injuries in a rally crash yesterday, and the doctors who performed a 7-hour operation on his right arm revealed that the recuperation period for the Polish driver could take up to one year.
“Robert is a person we love dearly,” said Boullier in an interview with Italy's Il Vostro Giornale, as reported by Autosport. “We are extremely sad and obviously shocked. Whether it's a Lotus, a Renault or a Skoda it doesn't make any difference: it's nothing to do with business.”
“We've let him do it because rallying is what he loves to do. Rallying is vital for Robert and for his sanity. Besides that, there is a reciprocal agreement. We knew the risks and so did he. We didn't want a robot or a corporate man for a driver,” he added.
For the time being, Lotus Renault is yet to officially confirm Kubica's replacement for the 2011 season. In fact, the doctors have confirmed that a definitive verdict on Kubica's medical condition could only be established in a few weeks.
However, if we are to trust Renault's press statement last week, Bruno Senna would be the one to race alongside Vitaly Petrov during Kubica's inactivity period, as he was confirmed reserve driver for the Enstone based squad last Monday.
Back to Kubica's case, several F1 drivers have expressed their regret on the Pole's serious injury, sending out good wishes and support messages. His good F1 friend Fernando Alonso visited him in the hospital on Sunday, talking to the doctors and getting the updates on his friend's medical condition.
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