Jaime Alguersuari has revealed he has heard bad news about Robert Kubica’s condition.
With official news about the injured Pole scarce, one of his friends said last week Kubica is close to returning to a normal life, raising hopes he might soon be back in formula one.
But former Toro Rosso driver Alguersuari has heard something very different.
"I think Robert is and was a fantastic driver, fast and complete. I am sure that he could have been a world champion without a doubt," he said this week when he was revealed as a co-commentator for British radio in 2012.
"At the moment the latest information I have about him is not very good," the Spaniard admitted. "He can not drink using his hand — I mean he cannot take a glass and drink, so it doesn’t look too good."
Kubica, formerly with BMW and Renault, crashed during a minor Italian rally early last year, forcing a metal barrier through the car.
Alguersuari revealed that Kubica’s co-driver, Jakub Gerber, initially saw such horrific injuries that he "thought he (Kubica) was dead".
More than a year on, "I think his injury is worse than expected," the 21-year-old continued.
"Of course I would like him to come back, because without a doubt he deserves to be in F1."