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Kubica career depends on hand recovery, stresses Coulthard

David Coulthard has emphasised the importance for Robert Kubica to regain feeling in his right hand, which was partially severed in a freak rally accident on Sunday which saw a metal crash barrier penetrate the Skoda Fabia rally car the Pole was driving, severely injuring the 26-year-old Lotus Renault GP driver in the process.

13-time Formula 1 race winner Coulthard spent two full seasons racing alongside Kubica and stood alongside the then BMW driver - in winning his only Grand Prix to date in Canada three years ago – as the Scot marked his final career podium result.

“Robert Kubica is an extremely talented driver and one of the most likeable and respected guys in the paddock, so I hope he makes a successful return to Formula 1,” television pundit Coulthard explained in a column for BBC Sport. “When that happens is not yet certain but the injury to his right hand is severe.

“Hand grip and lower-arm strength are very important in a Grand Prix car because your body is strapped very firmly into the chassis.

“The real skill of the driver is in how delicate he can be with his feet and how precise and reactive he can be with his hands.

“I don't know specifically what injuries Robert has suffered but as an absolute minimum he needs to be able to have the motor skills and strength to grip the steering wheel at high loads - cornering forces in a Grand Prix car are up to 5G - and make the fine adjustments needed to control it.”

(fonte: GPUpdate)

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