So where does Kubica come in now? His time at Renault was satisfactory in a season where he finished 8th in the championship, securing three podiums along the way. Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean seem to be holding the fort rather well for the re-branded Lotus team for the moment, so it is unclear what the future holds for him there.
So surely the only thing stopping him from returning to the sport now is his competition. What works in his favour is that the teams at the top end of Formula One are likely to go for a man of his experience and calibre rather than a prospect from GP2 or Formula 2 or 3. Though Ferrari are constantly linked with a replacement for Felipe Massa next season, Kubica is not the name being mentioned in those circles, as the young prospects of either Paul di Resta or Sergio Perez seem to be the way the Italians are looking.
However, the more realistic option would surely be at Mercedes, as anyone who has listened to Eddie Jordan’s high number of complaints about Michael Schumacher clogging up career time for others will know. Their results over the past few years would indicate they are of a similar or slightly better level than Sauber or Renault, when Kubica raced for them, so a possible return with the team would make a lot of sense.
Even though he could not have done much about re-breaking his leg in January this year, most would say that he should never have been allowed to take part in any other form of motor racing, which is where his initial injuries were picked up. He may not even be the same driver, though Schumacher showed on his Championship winning return from a broken leg in 2000 that it can look as easy as learning to ride a bike again. He should still be in Formula One today, but for a slice of misfortune. However, the last few years have been anything but straightforward, but let’s hope that Robert Kubica becomes one of the great success stories of Formula One, as he deserves to be, and not one of its’ biggest regrets’, should teams fail to secure his signature.
Unfortunately, I feel the journalist is being a bit optimistic.. This sport is too demanding for a driver to return and be at 85 or 90.. He'll, even 95% of their former self to be considered an elite pilot. Kubica had the potential to reach that class. But I fear we will never know for sure. These injuries are too severe. I was skeptical when I read about his return being delayed by a full year (2012 vs 2013).. Now my skepticism grows even more after I read about him re fracturing a fracture. He has serious rehabilitation to even be a normal civilian. It's another story trying to reach the fitness of an F1 pilot..
I wish him all the luck in the world.. " title="holy" /> but I fear it won't be enough " title="" />
ZitatHamilton open to talks with Lotus amid McLaren crisis Jul.10 (GMM) McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton “is ready” to open talks with Lotus, according to a report in the British tabloid the Daily Mail.
But Enstone based Lotus’ is just the latest name in the hat as uncertainty continues to surround the 2008 world champion’s future at McLaren.
Hamilton’s lucrative contract runs out this year, and while he is expected to ultimately sign a new deal, he is reportedly at loggerheads over the level of his pay and other details, such as the right to keep his trophies.
Hamilton has also expressed concerns about McLaren’s faltering 2012 campaign, after seeing his championship deficit grow to 37 points after a poor weekend at Silverstone.
Asked if he is worried the Briton is close to jumping ship after McLaren’s British grand prix struggle, team boss Martin Whitmarsh said: “No, I think he’s smarter than that. He’s got to want to stay in this team, which I believe he does.”
Whether Hamilton stays or goes, McLaren’s normal post-race technical debriefing at Woking on Tuesday is being billed by the British media as a “crisis summit”.
ZitatMark Webber will stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2013 Formula 1 season, the team has announced, ending speculation that the Australian could be in line for a move to Ferrari.
One has to wonder what this means for Hamilton. I think this cements the fact he will be returning to McLaren. Red bull is out of the equation. Can't see him going to partner Alonso. Mercedes seems to be falling behind in development, nor have they looked like a title contender since becoming Mercedes. And I think the lotus talk is a smokescreen for negotiations with McLaren.
The only interesting move will be who replaces massa?
ZitatHamilton open to talks with Lotus amid McLaren crisis Jul.10 (GMM) McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton “is ready” to open talks with Lotus, according to a report in the British tabloid the Daily Mail.
But Enstone based Lotus’ is just the latest name in the hat as uncertainty continues to surround the 2008 world champion’s future at McLaren.
Hamilton’s lucrative contract runs out this year, and while he is expected to ultimately sign a new deal, he is reportedly at loggerheads over the level of his pay and other details, such as the right to keep his trophies.
Hamilton has also expressed concerns about McLaren’s faltering 2012 campaign, after seeing his championship deficit grow to 37 points after a poor weekend at Silverstone.
Asked if he is worried the Briton is close to jumping ship after McLaren’s British grand prix struggle, team boss Martin Whitmarsh said: “No, I think he’s smarter than that. He’s got to want to stay in this team, which I believe he does.”
Whether Hamilton stays or goes, McLaren’s normal post-race technical debriefing at Woking on Tuesday is being billed by the British media as a “crisis summit”.
I read this in Finnish and I was like what the f****! " title="mad" /> " title="finger" /> " title="rage" /> Kimistays there! Lotus E20 seems to be a very good car. arts" title="hearts" /> No Hamilton there! " title="rage" /> " title="finger" />
Hamilton's management is making this public to put pressure on McLaren. Ron Dennis said publicly Lewis would have to take a pay cut to stay at McLaren. Hamilton's management wants to maximize the pay he can earn. There is a clear conflict of interest.
The only team ahead of McLaren in the constructors title fight with a theoretical seat for Hamilton is lotus. What other team could his management use for leverage in contract negotiations?
Also, some more info from same source - 'McLaren definitely want multiseason contract with Hamilton, Hamilton still considering it, but everyone has their price'.
If this guy is not all bollocks (could be he is, but fact is that he has a lot of contacts in F1, especially in McLaren), then: 1. Hamilton is in much stronger negotiation position than McLaren 2. Ron personally would not mind Hamilton leaving if Kimi comes back 3. The Button/Whitmarsh conspiracy thing is rubbish because McLaren now has to do everything they can to keep Hamilton (because losing him would make shareholders very unhappy).
Which sort of answers the question to OP - McLaren can probably afford to lose Hamilton, but its one of the last things they'd want.
This post has been edited by velgajski1: Today, 12:54
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Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:37 pm
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" title="rage" /> Kimistays there! Lotus E20 seems to be a very good car. 
" title="there" /> Leijona.
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