Drivers hint 2011 return for Kubica unlikely

Two of the F1 drivers closest to Robert Kubica have indicated the Pole is unlikely to race in 2011.

The injured 26-year-old has just returned to his Monaco home after 76 days in an Italian hospital, with doctors to assess his rehabilitation with regards to a possible return to formula one only in the late summer.

"We know he just left hospital, now he has a long time to recover," Vitaly Petrov, Kubica’s regular teammate at Renault, said in Turkey on Thursday.

"I hope that this year we can see him in the paddock, just to say hello," added the Russian.

Kubica’s closest friend in F1, meanwhile, is Fernando Alonso, who spoke to the Pole three days ago.

"He is doing well, even if it is not an easy recovery, but I am sure he will be with us, maybe this year and no doubt next year," said the Spaniard.