Kubica close to return

Robert Kubica is expecting to be given the all clear to return to Formula One on Thursday ahead of the French Grand Prix.

Kubica missed the United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis after a spectacular shunt in Canada seven days previously.

Kubica’s smash in Montreal was measured at 75g, which under normal circumstances would prove fatal.

Yet the Pole sustained nothing more than light concussion due to the strength and safety of his BMW Sauber monocoque.

However, Kubica was denied the chance to race in Indy on medical grounds as there were fears that in light of his concussion, another accident could have had serious consequences.

That allowed teenager Sebastian Vettel to step into the race seat and create Formula One history, with the 19-year-old becoming the youngest driver to claim a world championship point.

Kubica, who also missed last week’s test at Silverstone, will undergo another examination today by F1’s doctors at Magny-Cours.

“The reason why I wasn’t allowed to drive at Indianapolis had nothing to do with how I felt,” said Kubica.

“The problem was the risk involved in suffering a second accident within such a short space of time.

“That’s also why I wasn’t allowed to test, so I’ve used the time to focus intensively on preparing for the next race.

“Now I can’t wait to get back into the car.

“I may not have been given the green light to compete in the USA, but I hope the medical examination at Magny-Cours will be a formality.”

Despite Vettel’s fine performance in Indy, BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen is hoping Kubica is given the green light to race.

“The team has come to expect good grid positions in the top 10 nowadays, and Sebastian met that standard in his first ever F1 qualifying at Indianapolis,” remarked Theissen.

“But like Robert himself, the team is also hoping he will be back in the car in France.

“The race doctors at Magny-Cours will have the final say on that one though.”