Kubica's Recovery

[Nando]

Perfect replacement for the lost Brazilian.

[mx_tifoso]

No, I honestly don't want Kubica at Ferrari. He is damaged goods and there are more drivers out there that offer more potential and performance without the compromise.

[raymondu999]

I don't know if he's damaged goods per se - but I think he hasn't proven yet that he's in pristine condition. If they don't manage to refurbish him - he'll be quite the rubbish buy.

[Lycoming]

I don't think ferrari are keen on "refurbishing" considering they rarely take on rookies, which is a similar risk.

[Websta]

A racing driver's ability is limited by how precise they can be in their steering and pedal work, and how they can sense and react to the movement of the car - or at least those are two of the fundamentals that I can think of. Because he injured his dominant hand he will have to develop his control over his left hand (I am sure after over a year since the accident he already has done so). I don't believe he will ever have close to the same control and sensation in his right hand as he did prior to the crash, but I don't think that this will necessarily hinder his performance as a driver provided that his hand is structurally sound, i.e. it can handle the forces/stresses of steering.

Given that the main flexor and extensor muscles for the fingers are located in the forearm, he should have the ability to grip the wheel (providing that the tendons in his hands have healed), even if he has damaged the muscles which provide oppositional strength to the thumb (the ability to press your thumb together with your fingers). I think that if he is able to make basic steering inputs with his right hand, this would be enough to provide support and stability for the precise steering inputs he would be making with his left hand. I think most drivers do the majority of their precise steering inputs with their dominant hand anyway.

Of course, I don't know the extent of the injury to his hand, I suspect that it has left him with limited movement of his fingers and thumb, but I hope it has healed to a stage where it is structurally strong as I believe that is the most important thing.

I don't see him jumping straight into a Ferrari race seat though, and I suspect that Massa will be replaced for next season. So if Kubica isn't racing some time this season, whoever replaces Massa at Ferrari would have to only be there for one season or else Kubica would miss his chance. I don't see why Ferrari would want Kubica so badly anyway, they already have Alonso. They need a young driver who will be able to support Alonso's title campaigns and one day take over as the leader. Checo anyone?

That's my 2c.

[cravenciak]

Checo? Maybe in 2016 when Alonso contract expires. They need two similar drivers, not great one and his "young" assistant. Especially now when the gap between cars is so thin.

[zonk]

Guys!! You forgetting that After Formula Renault, Kubica moved to the Formula Three Euro Series. However, his move was delayed by a road accident which left him with a broken arm, and titanium screws holding it together. At his delayed debut at Norisring, Kubica, driving with a plastic brace and 18 titanium bolts in his arm, won the race.

[Morteza]

But aren't the injuries much more severe this time?

[Websta]

If Kubica was cleared fit to race in the F3 Euro race then his injuries would have healed to a state where they would not affect his racing ability. It is speculation, but I don't think he would be cleared fit to race for a while longer, let alone signed and invested in by a top team like Ferrari. The injuries he suffered were much worse this time and they take years to heal properly.

[MIKEY_!]

I doubt Kubica will find a spot at Ferrari now that Perez is in the picture

[Nando]

No, I honestly don't want Kubica at Ferrari. He is damaged goods and there are more drivers out there that offer more potential and performance without the compromise.

And you know this how? We have seen him doing karting.
Something that takes a much bigger toll on your hands, arms then an F1 car with power steering.

Kubica is a future world champion no doubt about it.
All the other drivers have an immense respect for Kubica and his mentality to racing.
People who know, knows.

Many seem to think he´s just another F1 driver but i can assure you that isn´t the case.

Another thing that also is worth noting is that Kubica and Alonso are friends.
real friends and not the fake thing between Button and Hamilton for instance.

[Websta]

I'm not convinced that go-karting would put a comparable strain on your elbow and hands as the high-g cornering of F1 would - especially not some indoor go-kart which is where he was "racing".

If he does return to F1 soon, he is going to really aggravate his injuries when he suffers a high G crash. I just don't see his 20-odd fractures being strong enough after one year. Are there any orthopaedic surgeons on this board by any chance who could give an opinion?

[myurr]

I doubt Kubica will find a spot at Ferrari now that Perez is in the picture

I have to be honest and say I don't get all the fuss over Perez. Sure he's a solid driver, a safe pair of hands if you will. But he is being flattered by the tyres and car in the same way Button and Vettel have come to the fore ever since the Pirelli era. These tyres reward the smooth consistent driving style that these drivers naturally favour.

That doesn't mean I don't think they're great, but I think it is undeniable that they are able to play to their strengths whilst other drivers are having to adapt to fighting with one arm behind their backs.

[raymondu999]

No, I honestly don't want Kubica at Ferrari. He is damaged goods and there are more drivers out there that offer more potential and performance without the compromise.

And you know this how? We have seen him doing karting.
Something that takes a much bigger toll on your hands, arms then an F1 car with power steering.

Kubica is a future world champion no doubt about it.
All the other drivers have an immense respect for Kubica and his mentality to racing.
People who know, knows.

Many seem to think he´s just another F1 driver but i can assure you that isn´t the case.

Another thing that also is worth noting is that Kubica and Alonso are friends.
real friends and not the fake thing between Button and Hamilton for instance.

I don't think his talent is doubted by anyone. But the question is whether he can recover to where he was physically and mentally previously - not to mention he will be quite a bit rusty .

[bettonracing]

MX,

I'd agree w/ you if this was something 'predictable' such as a used car, but the human body still does things that even the world's greatest minds can't understand/ predict.

As far as his bones healing I'd assume he's undergoing some form high-level accelerated recovery similar in concept to what Webber went through back in 2009: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/2/8905.html

Somebody should give Kubica some private runs in the Corse Cliente program when he's ready. I have my fingers crossed for a great comeback story, but I'd rather him leave on a high note, "full of untapped potential", than to publicly unravel like Massa [seemingly*] did.

-Kurt

*seemingly: I've never considered Massa to be a 'great' so I wouldn't say he went from great to has-run, more like fortunate to unfortunate.