According to the report here, he was driving a Skoda, his first rally outing in a non-Renault, after Renault gave him the go-ahead.

A real shame. I hope he doesn't lose his hand.

Interestingly, the German news says he is in critical condition and could die, BBC news is a lot less dramatic.

Update: Italian press say he crashed against the wall of a church. His driver managed to climb out straight after the accident, but Kubica was trapped in the wreckage and had to be freed by local firemen.

His left had was crushed in the wreckage and surgeons are debating whether to amputate the hand.

Reports now saying he isn't critical.

lucky I guess.

Not if he loses his hand. I am surprised that this hand was crushed. The safety cell looks intact.

Funily enough when I look at that wreck I think it doesnt look that bad. Speaking of course in Rally car terms. I've seen far far worse and the guys walk away. I presume it's the barrier that penetrated the car that did all the damage. Hope he gets well soon.

I think I read somewhere that barrier/fencing/type stuff had pierced through the footwell and got into the car that way, explaining how his right side that's injured in a LHD car. It's all unconfirmed though so we'll just have to wait and see a few days.

There is a video that shows a hole through the bulkhead.

Yes it doesn't look that bad. Though if something pierced the safety cell then yes I would suspect serious injuries.

Looks like armco went through bulkhead into car and messed up his right side. Surgeon states a week to know if they have saved Kubica's hand and probably a year of recovery. Nasty.

Wonder who they will use as a replacement until his back? Bruno Senna has just signed up to Renault so maybe it's his turn to shine and try and capitalize on the situation. Mind you they also have Romain Grosjean.......... If they want experience Nick Heidfeld hasn’t got a drive.

Updated with winter testing times so far (page1) -

Updated to include changes to Driver line-up, postponed Bahrain GP and re-scheduled testing (front page)

Thought I'd post this handy guide to understanding KERS and the new moveable rear wing -

In another of Red Bull's spectacular animations, Mark Webber guides you through the regulations regarding KERS and the new-for-2011 moveable rear wing and explains when drivers are likely to utilise them during races in the season. - Clicky

On the off-chance that people want to partake in a SportGuru prediction league as a few of us did for the 6Nations, I've set up an X404 pool. The pool-code is "goonliar".

Edd

joined