Robert Kubica

I was halfway through writing an article about how Robert Kubica was my outsider tip for the F1 title this coming season, when I heard the news about his unfortunate accident.  Leaving a rally stage on a stretcher with a severly injured arm, shoulder and leg has ended that probability.

The Renault R31 has looked extremely impressive in pre-season testing, though any F1 fan will tell you that winter testing times mean nothing.  I genuinely think that the Renault is quick - they've brought some revolutionary new concepts and they do appear to work.  A driver of Kubica's quality over-achieved in Renault's 2010 car - securing three podiums for the team whilst his Russian team-mate Petrov could only muster four top-ten finishes.

Renault probably thought they had a good outside shot at the title with the Kubica - R31 combination.

As it happens, there's a spare seat at Renault - temporarily given to Bruno Senna, the reserve driver.  This is where the Renault bosses start banging their heads against the wall.  They've got a potentially race winning car that was due several days more development work with one of the most talented drivers on the grid - which is now essentially in the hands of two pay-drivers, one of whom is very good at crashing and the other with no development experience.  Where next for the R31?

Nick Heidfeld.  Eleven seasons of Formula One experience under his belt, twelve podium finishes and without a drive for 2011.  If Renault seriously think this car can win races, Heidfeld is the man they need behind the wheel.