Vettel: Kubica should continue rallying

Sebastian Vettel is hoping Robert Kubica's horrific rally accident will not have dampened the Pole's passion for the sport

Last Sunday while contesting the opening stage of the Ronde di Andora rally in Liguria, Kubica suffered career-threatening injuries when he lost control at high speed, crashing into a guard rail and ending up in a church wall.

The Lotus Renault driver has already undergone two surgeries, one to save the functionality of his right hand and a second to rebuild his foot, shoulder and the inner part of his elbow.

The doctors are optimistic about his recovery, although have revealed that a third operation is needed on his arm.

Asked about his Polish rival during testing at Jerez, Vettel told Autosport: "First of all I think the most important message was that he didn't lose his hand, everything is still there and as far as we heard after the operation he's had quite a good recovery already.

"The most important thing is he's coming back to his normal strength and normal health, which will take a long time probably. He's quite young considering his life, so it's important that everything works naturally."

Kubica's accident has raised questions about the wisdom of his Formula One team permitting him to take part in rallies.

Vettel believes the team made the right decision as rallying is a passion of Kubica's, adding that he hopes the accident will not have robbed him of his love for the sport.

"We hope that very soon he will be strong enough to drive a Formula 1 car again and maybe do some rallies again - because he loves rallies a lot, he is a big fan," said the Red Bull driver.

"It was not his first rally and I think it was a very unlucky place to crash. I think he was lucky in the end, but also obviously very unlucky.

"Obviously it was a big shock for all of us. You hear a lot of stories when something happens. The most important thing is he's alive and he didn't lose his hand.

"I think he knows that there is always a risk when you do things like that, the same as when you go out here (in F1). Motorsport is like that. He's had quite a lot of big crashes in his career so far - most of the time not his fault."

As to whether Vettel will try his hand at it, he said: "I still think rallying is a very fascinating sport. "One day I might do it myself, but obviously when you get this kind of message it's a big shock.

"Maybe if I should rally at some stage I'll start in the snow where there are no barriers..."

Source: Planet-F1