Heidfeld: Malaysia podium was also Robert's
Nick Heidfeld has sent his well wishes to erstwhile team-mate Robert Kubica, the driver he is currently replacing at Lotus Renault GP, telling the Pole that the podium finish he achieved in last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang 'is also yours'.
Kubica is continuing his slow rehabilitation from the horrific arm, leg and hand injuries he suffered in a high-speed rallying smash on the Ronde di Andora in February, ruling him out of what will likely be the entire F1 2011 campaign - with some doubts about whether the 26-year-old will indeed ever be able to return at all.
However, German news agency SID reports that Kubica's recuperation has 'surprised doctors' and that he is already putting weight on his badly-injured foot and clenching his right-hand fist - and, less surprisingly, that he is itching to leave the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure close to Genoa as soon as possible.
Indeed, he is said to be eager to attend the beatification of former Pope John Paul II in Rome on 1 May, the first step towards sainthood for the late pontiff. The former Canadian Grand Prix-winner allegedly has a medallion containing a fragment of his countryman's robe and a drop of his blood, that he keeps in a bid to aid his recovery.
"Have you seen that? I printed your logo on the front of my helmet, and the Polish flag on the side," Heidfeld wrote on Kubica's website. "I wanted you to see that and to let you know I'm thinking of you. I wanted to show your fans that you are a part of F1 and of this team.
"This third place is also yours! During the race, I had often been thinking of you. Crossing the finish line, happiness totally flooded my head. I know what you are thinking right now - 'Lotus-Renault has built such a wonderful car this year...I want to get back as soon as possible and drive it!' You can do it. I wish you all the best for your rehabilitation. Get well soon!"
