Boullier says Kubica a contender for Lotus F1 seat in 2014
Eric Boullier confirms Robert Kubica is being considered for a Lotus Formula One drive in 2014, provided the Polish driver regains full fitness after his rally crash.
Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has confirmed that Robert Kubica is under consideration for a Formula One seat with the team in 2014, as long as the Polish driver is physically able to return to single-seater racing after his rally accident.
Kubica, who last raced in Formula One with the Boullier-run Renault team in 2010, has spent the past two years recovering from the severe injuries he sustained in a rally crash in early 2011. Although he has since returned to competitive driving in rallying, Kubica has said that his right arm remains a limiting factor and he is not currently able to handle an F1 car.
Despite this, Boullier has stated that Kubica would be “definitely” among the candidates for a 2014 Lotus race seat if he proves fully fit. The team principal’s comments come as uncertainty surrounds the future of current lead driver Kimi Raikkonen, whose contract expires at the end of the 2013 season and who has not committed to staying with Lotus beyond that point.
Competition for the 2014 Lotus seat
Lotus’s 2014 line-up remains open, with several drivers linked to the team. Alongside Kubica, reserve driver Davide Valsecchi is being evaluated for a potential promotion. Valsecchi, the reigning GP2 champion, has been signed as Lotus’s official reserve for 2013 and is expected to test with an older car during the season to assess his readiness for a full-time F1 role.
Boullier has indicated that Valsecchi’s performance in testing and his work with the team will influence whether he is offered a race seat. The Italian is considered to have a strong chance, but his lack of F1 race experience is a factor.
Raikkonen’s future uncertain
Kimi Raikkonen’s plans for 2014 remain unknown. Boullier has publicly acknowledged that he does not know whether the Finn will continue in Formula One next season. This uncertainty leaves Lotus considering a range of candidates, including Kubica and Valsecchi, as well as other drivers reportedly in talks with the team.
Nico Hülkenberg has also been linked to the Lotus seat, with the team confirming discussions for 2014. For more on this, see Lotus Confirms Talks with Hulkenberg for 2014 F1 Seat.
- Kubica: Former BMW and Renault F1 driver, rallying in 2013, recovering from injury.
- Valsecchi: 2012 GP2 champion, Lotus reserve, awaiting F1 race debut.
- Raikkonen: 2012 race winner with Lotus, undecided for 2014.
- Hülkenberg: Linked to Lotus for 2014, talks confirmed by team.
Kubica’s path back to Formula One
Kubica’s immediate focus remains on his rallying programme, having turned down a DTM offer to concentrate on the World Rally Championship’s second tier. He has not ruled out an F1 return if his recovery allows, but admits that regaining full single-seater capability is a major challenge. Boullier’s remarks confirm that, should Kubica achieve this, Lotus remains open to bringing him back into Formula One.
