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The rift is deepening between Danielli Morelli, manager of Renault driver Robert Kubica, and Team Renault, after Renault put out an announcement earlier this week claiming Kubica, who suffered serious injury in a rallying accident in February, may not be fit to drive in the 2012 season.
Morelli subsequently disputed the statement, saying Kubica was planning to be fit enough to race at the start of the season, but that he would probably have to miss the pre-season tests.
He’s claiming Kubica's words were misquoted in Renault’s statement, and that the driver is hoping to be ready to race in Melbourne.
Morelli also hit out at Renault's claim that he has a contract with the team for 2012 which could well be extended into 2013.
“I don't understand why Renault has changed Robert's words,” Morelli told Gazzetta dello Sport. “It's not true he won't be ready for 2012: he stated he doesn't have certainty that he will be in shape for the first tests in February.
“We count on and hope to be ready, but in any case the delay will be a few months, 2013 was never mentioned. Renault will go its way with regards to the drivers, while we will look for alternative solutions. [The contract] does not extend to 2012, it ends at the end of December, so from 1st January will we be free to go in whatever direction.”
Renault team principal Eric Boullier insisted Morelli had agreed to the wording of the statement that was issued and doesn't understand why he has hit out at the team.
“We agreed with Daniele Morelli to make a communication, because obviously Robert couldn't start the season next year with us, or anybody actually,” Boullier said to Autosport “So at least we could inform people about what is going on. He approved the communication so everything was fine. He approved it, and now he is upset with I don't know what to be honest. I don't want to comment more because it's a waste of time.”
