F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Formula 1

F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Robert Kubica is back behind the wheel...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted January 20, 2012 GMM Newswire

Robert Kubica hopes to return to the grid seem unlikely. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Kubica Able To Drive Again - Report: Robert Kubica has returned to the wheel of a powered vehicle, according to reports in Italy. The Omnicorse website reports that the Pole, horrifically injured in a rally crash a year ago, is now recovered enough to drive a Renault Megane with an automatic gearbox.The former BMW and Renault driver re-broke his leg in an icy slip recently but is now managing some steps without crutches, the report added. Kubica is reportedly spending five hours a day on physiotherapy, with movement in his previously badly-injured right arm now almost "back to normal".

VW Official To Propose F1 Foray - Report: Volkswagen is contemplating a Formula One foray, according to German reports. The carmaker giant's motor sport representative Wolfgang Durheimer told leading business magazine Wirtschaftswoche he has devised a preliminary plan for the future that includes F1. "Later this year I will put forward proposals to the executive group for (involvement in) not only the racing series that we do already," he said. "It is true -- in America, Asia and the Middle East, we are not sufficiently represented in motor sport," added Durheimer. The magazine cited sources in saying the first step for VW, already linked commercially with the Red Bull rookie team Toro Rosso, would be to become an engine supplier.

Vettel Signs Another Finn To Replace Trainer: Sebastian Vettel has signed up a new trainer. Last month, it emerged that the reigning back-to-back world champion was parting with Tommi Parmakoski, who is returning to Finland to coach a women's hockey team. German Vettel, the Red Bull driver, worked with Parmakoski since 2009. The Sport Bild magazine said the 24-year-old has replaced him for 2012 with another Finn, 28-year-old Heikki Huovinen. The German report said Huovinen - recommended to Vettel by Parmakoski - has a masters in sports science and has worked at a well-known Finnish fitness center. He has also reportedly been a personal trainer and group instructor, and is a former player in Mestis, Finland's second highest ice hockey league. Sport Bild said Huovinen, to be trackside at Jerez early next month, is relocating to Switzerland in order to live close to Vettel.

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