Latest Set-Back Too Much For Kubica? Let's Hope Not

The next year will perhaps be the most pivotal of Robert Kubica's Formula One career. 

An undoubted talent on the track, there was a time when his name was uttered as a potential world champion. With question marks surrounding the future of Felipe Massa, rumours once swirled about a move to Ferrari, a team who would be able to offer the Polish driver a platform to challenge for titles. 

Very much a contemporary of Lewis Hamilton, whom he karted against as a youth, and Nico Rosberg, who he dueled with in the Formula 3 Euro Series, he was heralded as part of a trio who would dominate Formula One for years to come.

His future has since been put in jeopardy following the horrendous accident at the Ronde di Andora rally twelve months ago. While hurtling along the course, Kubica's Skoda Fabia connected with a wall and resulted in him almost severing his right forearm - leading to fears that it might have to be amputated. 

While questions will still arise as to whether Kubica should have been racing in the first place, one thing is for certain, this is a man who lives for motor-racing. 

When he won his first Grand Prix in Canada in 2008, it seemed as though he had arrived. However, a move to Renault and some impressive results with a less than impressive car in 2010 helped emphasise his ability as a driver.

Kubica's quiet, but affable personality is one which resonates with a majority of the paddock, and like him or not, drivers lined up to offer their wishes as he lay prone in a hospital bed. For all the well-wishing and prayers, there was a sense that he would overcome his injuries and make a valiant return.

His latest set-back though, a fall on ice which reopened the fracture of his right leg, has lead to suggestions that this might be a bridge too far for the man from Krakow.

Not only is his absence a kick in the teeth for Lotus Renault, but for the world of motorsport. At 27 years-old, you'd like to think that he would have the fitness to get back to his best and have a good six or seven years back in Formula One, but there's always doubt.

One issue is whether Kubica would be physically strong enough to endure the rigours of racing in Formula One. Bones heal and scars fade, but could his body last a twenty race season? Another issue is his mentality. Two years of rehab are bound to have an effect on even the strongest individuals. While he has had brushes with danger before, his violent crash at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix springs to mind, this is different. Would he think twice going into a corner now?

Obviously these are speculative questions, and only those really close to him could begin to answer them. However, Kubica's nightmare draws some parallels with the unfortunate Alessandro Nannini, whose F1 career was sadly cut short in 1990 after a helicopter crash. Although Nannini's severed right arm was successfully re-attached, he was never the same driver.

Sadly this could be the fate of Kubica. A year is a long time to be out of motor-racing, and two can feel like an eternity, as Kimi Raikkonen will find out come March. 

Fingers crossed he makes a full recovery. With a fully fit Robert Kubica back on the circuit, Formula One will be a much richer sport for it.

Read more blogs and articles by Simon Knights here. Follow Simon Knights on Twitter @SimonKnights