Kubica now in second phase of recovery

Robert Kubica is continuing to make a good recovery from his horrific rally accident ahead of the start of the season and was visited by Renault team boss Eric Boullier in the days following the Turkish Grand Prix.

Kubica underwent a small, routine operation on Tuesday to remove the unavoidable adhesions that are affecting the functionality of his forearm and elbow muscles. Renault said everything had gone to plan and that the Polish driver was now in the second phase of his recovery, which would involve "heavy rehabilitation aimed to restore functionality".

"Robert has made another step forward in his rehabilitation process and doctors are pleasantly surprised by the way in which his condition is improving", Boullier said. "Now, it is a matter of time and even if patience isn't Robert's first quality, he is fully aware that rehabilitation could be quite a long process."

Boullier added that Kubica was still very much a part of the team and was being briefed regularly on the car's progress.

"We spoke about the latest developments of the car and of the team, and he was also interested to hear more on the details of the R31, tires and strategies. Robert is still very much involved, keeping in touch with his engineers, and we have been keeping him informed of every important decision the team has taken. He may not be with us all of the time this year, but he's very much a part of the Lotus Renault GP family." ESPN F1