Kubica working hard to get back to F1

Renault may have to wait until mid-June for a clearer picture of Robert Kubica's Formula One prospects, even if their Polish driver is putting in the hours to come back from injury.

Kubica spent two months in hospital in Italy after suffering arm, leg and hand injuries in a life-threatening rally accident in early February.

The Pole, a hugely popular race winner considered a potential future champion, returned to his home in Monaco late last month.

"I spent an hour on the phone this week with him and he's obviously very relieved to be back home, relieved to get back to a normal life even if he has to work every day on the rehabilitation," Renault team boss Eric Boullier told reporters at the Turkish Grand Prix.

"He's working very hard, six to seven hours per day, and I think we should know more let's say by mid-June what to expect and when."

The Frenchman, who recruited Germany's Nick Heidfeld to stand in for Kubica, said the Pole's recovery must not be rushed.

"The injury was quite bad. Bones and muscles are easy to fix, if I may say this, but nerves are a different story.

"You need to be cautious in the development of this. So this is why they need to take time, do it properly and monitor and handle it properly." Supersport.com