Renault impose October deadline for Kubica return

Renault has imposed a deadline for the finalisation of its driver lineup for 2012.

The Genii-owned team has left open a vacancy for Robert Kubica next year alongside the confirmed Russian driver Vitaly Petrov.

Robert Kubica, Renault F1 Team

Photo by: xpb.cc

But media reports in recent days have revealed that Kubica, recovering from his horror February rally crash, actually does not have a contract for 2012.

The Pole's manager Daniele Morelli said at Monza that Renault "have given us assurances" about Kubica's place for 2012.

But he also said the 26-year-old will "put on a helmet" next month "to give a message on what he can do" in either a simulator or a fast road car.

It now emerges that the "message" needs to be received by Renault team boss Eric Boullier.

The Frenchman is quoted by Brazil's Globo Esporte: "I will be flexible because I really like Robert and it will be good for him to return.

"But in the middle or end of October I need a clear confirmation. My problem is that I cannot miss the opportunity to have Robert back, but at the same time I need to defend the interests of my team.

"I need to have the best driver lineup I can have, or the best I can afford," said Boullier.

As for Kubica, reports say he is now working six hours a day on rehabilitation following his final operation to free movement in his elbow.

"I am not expecting him to be as fast as last year, because I know that when you are off the track for a year it is hard to come back," said Boullier.

"Besides, when you suffer a serious accident as he did, it is not easy. But I need to understand if he can do it," he added.