Robert Kubica's Formula 1 Return in Jeopardy After New Injury

Just the Facts:

• Lotus Renault GP confirmed on Thursday that F1 driver Robert Kubica suffered another setback after a new injury.
• "Robert has shown fantastic courage and determination in his rehabilitation following the accident last year, and it is sad to hear that he has suffered this setback," said Team Principal Eric Boullier in a statement.
• Kubica, 27, reportedly slipped on the ice near his home in Italy, hurting the same leg that was injured in a devastating rally crash last February.

PARIS — Lotus Renault GP confirmed on Thursday that F1 driver Robert Kubica suffered another setback after a new injury.

"Lotus Renault GP is saddened to hear that Robert Kubica has suffered another setback in his battle to regain fitness for a return to Formula 1," it said in a statement on the Lotus Renault GP Web site. "Everyone at the team would like to send our best wishes to Robert for a speedy recovery."

The team provided no details on the injury. However, the F1 Web site said that Kubica injured his right leg after falling on the ice at his home in Italy. It is the same leg he damaged in a serious rallying accident last February. European media reported that Kubica broke his leg in this most recent accident and will need a metal screw inserted above his ankle.

"Robert has shown fantastic courage and determination in his rehabilitation following the accident last year, and it is sad to hear that he has suffered this setback," said Team Principal Eric Boullier in a statement.

Kubica, the winner of the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, missed the entire 2011 season following a horrific crash on the Ronde di Andora Rally. Kubica, who was driving a Super 2000 Skoda Fabia, crashed the car into a barrier, partially severing his right forearm and injuring his right leg.

In late November, Kubica said it was still too early for him to commit to driving in the 2012 season. At that time, Lotus Renault GP said Kubica "can now walk freely, and move his hand and elbow, but he feels that he needs more time to return to full fitness." It said that a "test car is ready and waiting for him and a dedicated crew is on stand-by."

The 27-year-old Pole underwent a final operation in Italy on August 28 that was aimed a recovering the full mobility of his right elbow, the team said last summer.

Lotus Renault has now signed Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen.

Inside Line says: Kubica's return to the grid in 2012 looks doubtful.