The timing of Robert Kubica's return to Formula One is still unknown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kubica Splits With Rehab Doctor Ceccarelli: Robert Kubica has split with his rehabilitation doctor Riccardo Ceccarelli, according to reports in the Italian and Polish media. The reports said the parties disagreed over the final phase of the Polish driver's recovery from horrific injuries suffered early this year while rallying. "I can confirm that there were differing views as to the next phase of rehabilitation," Ceccarelli said. "Robert will continue with this process under the direction of someone else. Who it will be, I don't know." Ceccarelli said he stands by his earlier prediction that Kubica could be fit enough to return in 2012. "I've always said that and I stand by it, even though expectations that he could be back in a Renault in November were probably somewhat exaggerated." Also according to Omnicorse, Ceccarelli said he doesn't know if Kubica's management has been in talks with Ferrari.

London Judge Says Ecclestone Payments 'A Bribe': There has been bad news from the London High Court for Bernie Ecclestone this week. The Telegraph reports that a judge has ruled that the F1 chief executive's suspect payments to former F1 banker Gerhard Gribkowsky were indeed bribes. Ecclestone, 81, has denied that description, insisting instead that he only paid the millions after a subtle "shakedown" by the German. "Isn't that a bribe"? said Mr. Justice Vos. The judge was entering a default decision against Gribkowsky — because he did not respond to the writ — during the civil proceedings brought by former F1 shareholder Constantin Medien. "Constantin welcomes this important procedural step and will be pressing on with the determination of damages against Gribkowsky and in the continuing proceedings against Ecclestone and (Stephen) Mullens, and Bambino Holdings," said Constantin Medien's lawyer Keith Oliver.

Three F1 Rumors Before Christmas: F1's rumor mill is refusing to idle, even in the last days before Christmas. One rumor has been triggered by former McLaren driver and lead British television commentator Martin Brundle, writing on his Twitter page. "(I) suspect Vitaly Petrov may re-emerge at Caterham in 2012," he wrote, amid earlier rumors Jarno Trulli could lose his seat. "Music has stopped, there'll be a mad scramble for seats." In the pages of Spanish newspaper AS, meanwhile, Toro Rosso refugee Jaime Alguersuari is being linked to the reserve driver role at Mercedes for 2012. And multiple international reports in recent days have galvanized rumors that Ferrari junior driver Jules Bianchi is to replace Nico Hulkenberg as Force India's Friday practice driver.

Raikkonen To Start F1 Testing In January: Kimi Raikkonen has revealed plans to give his Formula One testing return an early start. The former World Champion, who is returning to F1 with Lotus in 2012 after two years in world rallying, has not driven a Grand Prix car since he left Ferrari in late 2009. F1's official pre-season program for 2012 does not begin until early February — just five weeks before the first race in Melbourne. "We don't test the new car until February so it's a long wait," the 32-year-old said this week. "However, I should be able to jump into a two-year-old F1 car in January." The Finn is referring to a testing rules loophole that allows some running in older machines with non-competitive tires. "Of course, there will be the usual training, but I will also be working on getting to know the team better and making sure I fully understand all the changes since I have been away," added Raikkonen.

Montezemolo Says 'No' To Italian Presidency Reports: Luca di Montezemolo on Thursday clarified reports that he intends to stand for the Italian presidency in 2013. The Ferrari president's letter to members of his political think-tank Italia Futura this week was interpreted by some as his announcement of a tilt at the top job. "Going into politics? No I'm with Ferrari," he clarified, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Montezemolo took the opportunity of the media event at Fiorano to announce the launch date of Ferrari's 2012 car — Feb. 3. And he also addressed rumors about Felipe Massa's future, insisting that while the Brazilian "could continue" beyond 2012, the Maranello-based team is "always looking around." Gazzetta reporter Andrea Cremonesi claimed Ferrari has "approached" drivers including Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and Mark Webber "in recent months."