Kubica reveals identity of his preferred replacement
Robert Kubica has revealed who he would like to see substituting for him at Lotus Renault GP this year, Crash.net has learned - 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 33-year-old 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.
Meanwhile, defending world champion Sebastian Vettel has backed his compatriot 'Quick Nick' for the drive, telling Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: "At Jerez I think he worked well with that team, and he's one of the few honest guys in F1. He deserves this chance."
