Robert Kubica admits that he is lucky to have escaped his Canadian crash with nothing more than a limp and a big bruise on his left forearm.
In his first extensive interview since checking out of hospital on Monday, the Pole told Bild newspaper that he owes it to the FIA that he is alive.
“I have seen the video now and all I can say is that I am very happy to be able to sit here now in one piece,” BMW-Sauber’s 22-year-old driver said.
Kubica said he crashed when Toyota’s Jarno Trulli left him with “no more room” to overtake on the outside of the flat-out kink before the Casino hairpin.
“I thought Jarno would hold his normal line but then we touched and my front wing went under the car and I lost control.
“But it happens — there is no-one to blame. This is motor sport, we all know the risks.”
Kubica says he thinks he lost consciousness briefly after the impact but doesn’t remember much about the moments after letting go of his steering wheel and folding his arms across his chest.
He looked skywards when he was asked who he thanks for being alive.
“There is no reasonable explanation for the fact that I didn’t break even a finger — you could hurt yourself more if you trip on the way up the stairs.
“If I had that crash ten years ago, we would not now be talking; so thanks to everyone at the FIA, all the safety people.”
Kubica said he wants to start Sunday’s US grand prix, barely a week after the 230kph shunt.
“The most important thing is that my head is alright. I have no pain, my mind is clear and I can concentrate.
“My ankle is not in perfect shape, but it doesn’t bother me — sometimes you hurt more after a long day of testing!
“The FIA doctors will decide but I hope I can drive at Indy. That is the best way for me to get back to real life.
“We say in Poland — what doesn’t hurt you makes you tougher. If I wanted to play it safe, I would stay at home — but then I would no longer be a racing driver.”
