JEREZ, Spain - Australia's Mark Webber described Robert Kubica as one of the world's best drivers on Thursday as Formula One united in its support for the stricken Pole who suffered a terrifying rally crash at the weekend.

Kubica is certain to miss the new season which gets underway in Bahrain in four weeks' time after suffering multiple injuries in the smash which required seven hours of surgery.

The Lotus Renault driver was absent from the first day of the year's second official test on Thursday, but the teams here all carried messages of support on the side of their cars.

Kubica's teammate, Vitaly Petrov of Russia, had a Polish message 'Szybkiego powrotu do zdrowia Robert' - 'Get well soon Robert' emblazoned on his engine cover.

"I'd like to add that my wishes are with Robert," said Red Bull driver Webber.

"It was a big shock for all of us, I couldn't believe it. I'm happy, as it looks like the people involved have done an incredible job for him after the accident to keep him in the best shape possible.

"It's a big loss for our sport that he's not here this year and a big loss for us as competitors, as we're motivated to race against the best guys in the world and Robert is one of them.

"I wish him all the best for his recovery; every day he'll make progress and I'm looking forward to having him back when he is ready."

Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who topped the time charts on Thursday, said he was delighted Kubica was making a recovery.

"I am glad Robert is getting better. It was nice that we all had a note for him on our cars and again I wish all the very best," said Massa.

Kubica will undergo another operation on Friday and is also awaiting surgery on his upper arm and foot.

Petrov, meanwhile, was eighth fastest on the day for Lotus Renault which have lined up either Nick Heidfeld or Bruno Senna to replace Kubica.

Heidfeld and Senna will be given track time on Saturday and Sunday.

"After a difficult few days, it's good for the team to be back at the track and to have our minds focussed on developing the car," said team boss Eric Boullier.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 02/12/2011 page15)