Robert Kubica - That Sick Feeling
Watching Robert Kubica’s crash in the Canadian Grand Prix made me sick to the stomach. The way his hands suddenly dropped lifelessly as his BMW Sauber shell came to a halt reminded me of the final moments of Ayrton Senna.
Then there was the safety truck that moved strategically into position to block the camera’s view of the rescue efforts - always a bad sign.
Thankfully, despite all this, Robert survived with only a broken leg. Early reports that he was ’stable’ weren’t very comforting, but news that he was talking to his manager and that he was ok was uplifting.
We often forget how dangerous Formula One racing can be as safety levels are extremely high. But no matter what precautions are taken there will always be risk when racing at such fast speeds.
It’s moments like these that can really ground us. We might feel upset at the end of a grand prix when our favourite driver doesn’t win, but days like today prove it doesn’t really matter who wins as long as everyone comes home safely.
Date: Monday, June 11th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Category: F1 Drivers, Formula 1 Races
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[...] « Robert Kubica - That Sick Feeling [...]
I got the same feeling when I saw the crash but also amazed that with that type of crash all he suffered was a broken leg. Really shows how good safety is in formula 1. Pity about the inaccurate commentry by James Allen - “Kubica is stable and has no broken bones” - in these circumstances he should shut up till he gets the facts. Normally a fan of the commentators but not this time!
In fact, reports from official sources now say that he hasn’t even broken his leg! Seems he’s going to be released from hospital today with nothing but a few bumps and bruises!
“In fact, reports from official sources now say that he hasn’t even broken his leg! Seems he’s going to be released from hospital today with nothing but a few bumps and bruises! ”
Maybe I should have shut up before getting the facts then!
Can I just make a comment, amazing that he survived let alone without sustaining injuries, but just how open and vulnerable he looked when the car was sliding on its side. I really think there should be some sort of impact beams around the cockpit more. We all saw how close DC came to nearly removing Wurz head at the Oz GP.
Sooo good to hear that he is ok…….
This was an emotional Canadian GP for me. Although I’ve been involved in the sport for many years as a commentator and photographer, I’ve never gotten used to seeing drivers die from crashes. Yesterday, I was standing trackside in front of Grandstand 12 wearing a Kubica Sauber hat which I had just purchased. I waved and gave a thumbs up to Robert during the formation lap and was rather astonished that he lifted the fingers of his left hand and actually waved back. I remember thinking back to 1981 when Gilles Villeneuve said hello when he passed by our table at breakfast… and to 1987 when I was covering the podium in Detroit and Senna gave me a big smile before we got started with the ceremony. I expect professional athletes to have egos but have never been treated badly by an F1 driver. So yesterday, when one of the pit marshalls said it was Kubica, I thought, “no, not again.” Thank God it’s turned out well for Robert. This incident is, however, another reminder that motor racing is unlike most professional sport. While accidents happen in other types of competition… in motorsports, the grim reaper is always waiting to claim another victim. It’s also one of the reasons why we love the sport… not only do drivers have to persevere against the competition and the laws of physics… they also have to win a battle over death every time they get strapped in a race car.
i cant bealive that Kubica himself recons he will fine to race in the US GP!!!
that just proves hwo safe these cars are to day…. i really and truly hope that general car makers use these advancers in safty in road cars….
man that was one nasty crash. Why weren’t there any cushion on the left boundary wall still escapes me?
…on the positive side of things. I am sure that this accident and its effects on the car and driver will be fully analyzed.
Strange to say it but accidents play a big part in making the sport safer…just glad that this one didn’t cost Kubica his life.
…on the positive side of things. I am sure that this accident and its effects on the car and driver will be fully analyzed. Although alot of this is learned through simulation these days there are still unknowns and many variables.
Strange to say it but accidents play a big part in making the sport safer…just glad that this one didn’t cost Kubica his life.
when the car lifted he hit something first and then the wall did anybody see what it was? i thought it was speeds toro roso but it wasn’t i think that the car would have had a more severe crash if that think wasn’t there
When I saw his crash I thought he was dead, but then on the news they said he was all right.It was a mericle.
I am originally from Poland living in the US. I’ve always liked F1 and was extremely happy that Kubica joined BMW Sauber last year. When I saw Rober’s accident life I really thought that was it for him. It is really hard to see the only ever driver from your country getting hurt like that - not only because you care for the individual whoever that is, but also because of the feeling that your only F1 driver from your country will no longer be there for you..
i saw it on youtube (i missed the race) and was VERY unhappy. poor Kubica…