Gamesmanship?
Robert Kubica has revealed who he would like to see substituting for him at Lotus Renault GP this year, – and the answer may surprise.Kubica is currently recovering in hospital in Italy following his high-speed rallying accident on the Ronde di Andora nine days ago that left him with a broken arm, broken leg and – most worryingly of all – a partially-severed hand.
Whilst there have been varying reports as to the Pole’s condition as he continues to undergo surgery [see separate story – click here], a source close to Crash.net has informed us that Kubica has been visited in hospital by a key member of Lotus Renault GP and asked who he would rather drive his car this season.
Although former BMW-Sauber team-mate Nick Heidfeld is seen as the hot favourite to occupy the cockpit – particularly in the light of the experienced German’s outstanding testing debut for the team at Jerez on Saturday [see separate story – click here] – our source claims that Kubica has said he would prefer to be replaced by Force India F1 refugee Vitantonio Liuzzi, whom he considers to be a better racer out of the pair. The 26-year-old is friends with both.
An announcement confirming Heidfeld had been expected from Lotus Renault GP yesterday (Monday), but no news was forthcoming – raising speculation that the Enstone-based concern may yet be set to try out Liuzzi and possibly also Pedro de la Rosa during testing in Barcelona later this week before coming to a final decision about who will partner Vitaly Petrov in F1 2011.
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What a dumb suggestion. Maybe the Kube is afraid of Renault appreciating Nick a bit more than he'd like.....
