Renault issue means Kubica to sit out rally

Robert Kubica will be forced to sit out the famous Monte Carlo rally for the second year in succession.

Last year, the Pole’s Renault Clio suffered an engine failure after just 4km.

Rally enthusiast Kubica, 26, wanted to return in 2011, and had even signalled his intention with organisers to contest the January 18-22 event.

But according to German language speedweek.de, he has had to withdraw due to wanting to take part in the S2000 category with a car other than a Renault.

Kubica’s F1 employer Lotus Renault GP reportedly did not give him permission to drive a rival carmaker’s car.