Kubica to Return to Rallying at Ronde Gomitolo di Lana
Robert Kubica will compete in the Italian Ronde Gomitolo di Lana rally this weekend, marking his first event since his serious crash in early 2011.
Robert Kubica will return to competitive motorsport this weekend at the Italian Ronde Gomitolo di Lana rally, ending a lengthy absence following the accident that halted his Formula One career in early 2011. The Polish driver, who turned 27 this year, has signed up to drive a Subaru Impreza alongside Italian co-driver Giuliano Manfredi.
Kubica’s return comes after more than 18 months of recovery and rehabilitation. In February 2011, he suffered multiple fractures and severe injuries to his right arm, hand and leg when he crashed during the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy. Those injuries forced him to miss the entire 2011 Formula One season and put his future in top-level motorsport in doubt.
Background to Kubica's injury and recovery
At the time of his accident, Kubica was considered one of the most promising drivers in Formula One. He had previously raced for BMW Sauber and Renault, taking his maiden Grand Prix victory at Montreal in 2008. His rallying crash, which occurred in a Skoda Fabia S2000, left him with life-threatening injuries and required several operations, particularly to his right arm and hand.
Kubica’s recovery has been closely followed by fans and the F1 paddock alike. Although he was replaced at Renault by Nick Heidfeld for the 2011 season, Kubica has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to racing. His entry into the Ronde Gomitolo di Lana is his first official appearance in competition since the accident.
Details of the Italian rally entry
For his rallying return, Kubica will pilot a Subaru Impreza, a car with a proven record in regional Italian rallies. His co-driver, Giuliano Manfredi, is an experienced Italian navigator. The Ronde Gomitolo di Lana is a single-day asphalt rally based in the Biella region of northern Italy, known for its technical stages and local following.
- Subaru Impreza rally car
- Giuliano Manfredi as co-driver
- Event: Ronde Gomitolo di Lana, Biella, Italy
- Date: Weekend of 8–9 September 2012
While Kubica’s participation is not part of a major championship, the event is expected to draw attention from both rally and Formula One fans, eager to see the extent of his recovery and performance. There is no suggestion at this stage that Kubica is targeting a full-time rally programme, but this outing marks a milestone in his rehabilitation and racing ambitions.
What Kubica's return means for his career
Kubica’s decision to compete again in rallying rather than circuit racing reflects the path of his recovery and the opportunities available as he regains fitness. His progress will be closely watched by teams and fans, particularly given ongoing speculation about a possible future Formula One return. For now, the focus is on his safe and successful completion of the Italian rally stages this weekend.
