Kubica's life-changing crash that nearly ended it all

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It was on this day in 2011 that Robert Kubica's world grounded to a sudden halt, the Polish driver suffering severe injuries in a rally crash in Italy.

Back then, to keep his competitive juices flowing during F1's winter break, Kubica had entered the Rally Ronde di Andora in Italy at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia in the Super2000 category.

But a crash on a special stage resulted in a heavy contact with a guard-rail, an element of which went straight through the chassis and struck the unfortunate driver, partially severing his right wrist.

For many, it was the end of Kubica's career in motorsport - let alone his time in F1.

But eight years later, in 2019, after a long and winding path to recovery, Kubica achieved the impossible: to race again in Formula 1!

Bobby K - true grit.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.