Doctor says Kubica will return to F1

Robert Kubica is going to return to formula one in 2012, according to F1 doctor Riccardo Ceccarelli.

And the same message has emerged this week from the Pole’s manager Daniele Morelli, after Renault boss Eric Boullier imposed a mid October deadline for the finalisation of the team’s 2012 lineup.

"If you keep delaying, delaying, delaying, you end up risking the interests of the team," Boullier is quoted as saying last weekend by Globo Esporte. "That is why we have to have the deadline."

But Morelli has told Italy’s Omnicorse this week: "We are not able to predict a precise date (for Kubica’s return) because it is nature taking its course."

"But we are optimistic, very optimistic, and I do not think a delay of a couple of weeks can affect the plans."

"One thing is certain — he is coming back. The only problem now is muscular."

Dr Ceccarelli, who is heading the 26-year-old’s rehabilitation phase, confirmed: "I would say with certainty that Robert will be a F1 driver in 2012."

"I can not say when he will be ready but it will be between the months of November and January."

He said the earlier problems with Kubica’s right hand have now been overcome.

"Yes, it’s great, even if this healing is gradual. Not forgetting that Robert suffered injuries to two of the three nerves, and had severs of the tendons and muscles, the feeling has come back to the fingertips," said Ceccarelli.

The truth at present, however, is that Kubica is not yet ready to return to a single seater, nor even drive a road car.

"It is true, Robert still has an external fixator on his leg and we have not rushed to remove it — the longer the better, and the better result. So as we wait for the healing of the hand and the elbow, there is still no hurry," said Ceccarelli.

He added that when the fixator is removed, Kubica can get to work.

"The muscles have been inactive for months and so need to recover tone and strength. But the big question - if he can drive in formula one again - has gone."