Nico Rosberg's former physiotherapist Daniel Schlosser is another figure within the paddock that is hoping Robert Kubica will make a return as a full-time driver. Schlosser worked with Rosberg and when the German retired, he partnered up with Force India's test driver Nikita Mazepin.
Kubica is bidding for a miraculous return to Formula 1 after the Polish driver's career was drastically changed in 2011. A rallying accident almost cost him his life, and he was forced to pull out of the 2011 season with his right forearm severely damaged.
Kubica drove in his first official test in six years last week, taking the Renault RS17 around the Hungaroring. After completing 142 laps, Kubica vowed he could do 142 more. Schlosser is hoping that Kubica wraps up a drive for next season.
"He still has very good muscles in his right arm - only the volume is not so great," he told Sport Bild. "Nico (Rosberg), for example, always had a lot of tension in his wrists, so he had to train his arms heavily. But other drivers are lighter on the steering due to having a different driving technique. Nick Heidfeld was one of them, and probably also Kubica. They never had to train as much as the others.
As for how Kubica can negotiate tight left-hand corners now that his right arm is compromised, he answered: "Instead of pressing with the right, you can pull with the left. And depending on the technique, this can even be more efficient. In Hungary, he ran a very difficult programme in high temperatures, which was hard for some young drivers. Anyone who can handle that can also handle a Grand Prix," he said.
Fergal Walsh
Replies (4)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I think we're all hoping the same
F1racefan97
Posts: 113
Please please please can he come back, and be at the top?
Barron
Posts: 625
Even if he comes back, I suspect he will never be able to reach the top step. But the mere fact that he 'could' return if he wanted, I believe would still be a major achievement for him and a great role model for other, younger sports people. There's been so much hype and expectation, that Renault are now between a rock and a hard place so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I agree, if anything it'd be of symbolic value. For a crippled person to be in F1 would be quite the feat.