At the Canadian Grand Prix held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, ten drivers did not finish the race due to one reason or another. Some drivers did not reach the chequered line due to disqualification or technical malfunctions. But one driver had his race ending prematurely and quite dramatically and this driver is Robert Kubica - driver for team BMW Sauber.
In what is described as on the most horrific Formula One accident in recent times, Kubica's car was totaled during the 27th lap of the race. Approaching the hairpin curve, Jarno Trulli who was driving a Toyota hit Kubica's car from behind sending the Polish driver into the grass. The car then hit a bump on the grass which lifted the nose of the car - this predicament left Kubica no chances to brake or steer his car.
His car then hit a barrier and then crashed head-on to the inside of the hairpin curve. In a shower of metal and other Formula One car components, Kubica's car rolled across the track and finally rested against a barrier on its side. The car was totally dismantled that what is left of it is only the cockpit that Kubica occupies. His car's BMW power steering pump would surely not have survived that high-speed crash.
After the said accident, Kubica was taken to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's medical center. There, the Polish driver was announced to be stable. Although it was initially reported that Kubica suffered a broken leg, it was later announced that he only had a minor concussion and a sprained ankle.
Less than 24 hours after his accident, Kubica was released from the hospital and he even drove himself in a BMW X5. The young Formula One driver has this to say after being released from the hospital: "Have no pain and feel well. I want to thank everyone for the medical attention I received and for all the good wishes."
"Mario Theissen and other team members came to visit me and also thanks to Jarno Trulli who came as well. I am happy that I have been able to leave the hospital so quickly and will now prepare for the race in Indianapolis," he also shared. BMW Sauber though is yet to announce whether the Polish driver will be driving come the United States Grand Prix.
Kubica is still scheduled to undergo medical checks by the FIA Medical Delegate before he is permitted to race on the 17th of this month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
While Kubica failed to finish the race, BMW Sauber still has a strong lead over fourth place Renault. Nick Heidfeld, Kubica's teammate, finished the race in second place. Alexander Wurz driving for Williams took the third spot.
At the said race, Formula One rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton driving for Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes recorded his first Formula One win. The young British driver continued his impressive Formula One debut by recording his sixth podium finish in as many races this season. He went into the Canadian Grand Prix tied with teammate Fernando Alonso for the driver's championship but with his win, he now leads Alonso by eight points. Alonso only managed a disappointing seventh place finish. The race also marked the first time this season that a driver from a team other than McLaren and Ferrari finished in the top three.
