German driver Sebastien Vettel will be driving at the US Grand Prix in the place of Robert Kubica. Kubica had a nasty crash during last Sunday’s race and was left with minor concussion and a sprained ankle. He was hoping to race this weekend however the FIA Medical Delegate, Dr. Gary Hartstein, along with Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Director of Medical Services Dr. Geoffrey Billows, have decided that Kubica should not be taking any chances and have therefore ruled him out of this weekend’s race.
“Naturally, I am disappointed because I felt absolutely ready to race,” Kubica explained. “But I respect the decision. It was made because there is too much risk to let me race in this Grand Prix in case I have had another impact so soon after Montreal. I will go home now. I wish Sebastien all the best. It is good for him and I am pretty sure he will do a good job.”
19 year old Vettel is the test and reserve driver for BMW-Sauber. “Of course I am looking forward to my first F1 race,” Vettel said. “But I wish it had come under different circumstances. It is never nice if a team mate cannot drive because he had an accident. For me, the Indianapolis Speedway is unknown territory but I have prepared myself for this situation and tomorrow, I have two 90 minute practice sessions. I know the car very weel as I have quite a lot of testing miles under my belt.”
BMW-Sauber’s second test driver Timo Glock is also present at Indianapolis. He has been nominated as reserve driver for the race.
Mario Theissen, BMW’s Motorsport Director said, “In reviewing the accident and medical examination, the doctors did not give Robert the green light to race. There will be another medical check before the race in Magny-Cours. Although the doctors see Robert in remarkably good condition, they will not let him race here mainly because of the risk of another impact. We respect the decision of the medical personnel. The team was prepared for this situation. Sebastien will receive all possible support from us and we hope for another good race here.”
