Renault hits back as Kubica rift deepens

A growing rift between Robert Kubica and the Renault team has deepened further.

After Renault this week announced the injured Pole will not be ready for the start of 2012, Kubica’s manager Daniele Morelli accused the team of twisting his words and indicated he is looking around for a different employer.

Team boss Eric Boullier reacted with surprise, insisting Morelli approved the wording of the media statement.

"He approved the communication so everything was fine," the Frenchman said at Interlagos. "He approved it, I can show you the email. And now he is upset with I don’t know what.

"He is creating stories from nothing," Boullier told reporters in Brazil.

Earlier, Morelli had insisted Kubica may be ready for 2012 but not the February tests, amid speculation Ferrari and Red Bull might be interested in eventually securing the services of the now 26-year-old.

"If Robert comes back that’s because he will be competitive like before and attractive for the top teams," he told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.