Kubica in new setback

Robert Kubica’s slow road to recovery suffered a further setback when he injured his right leg after he slipped on an icy road near his home in Italy.

The Pole suffered a fractured tibia, and was treated by surgeons who dealt with him after his rally accident last February. The original injury to his right hand remains the key to his return to full fitness.

Kubica is now a free agent, as his contract with Lotus-Renault ran out at the end of 2011. He continues to be associated with a possible future at Ferrari, where Felipe Massa is under huge pressure to raise his game if he is to retain his seat for 2013. However, there is competition from other drivers, including Ferrari Academy member Sergio Pérez.

Although opportunities for testing are limited, Kubica would be allowed to drive a two-year-old 2010 car, on ‘demo’ Bridgestone tyres, should any team wish to try him out.