Nov.23 (GMM) Robert Kubica will not be ready to return to formula one early in 2012, the Renault team announced on Wednesday.

Throughout 2011, the Pole has been recovering from horror injuries sustained in a rally crash in February.

The Enstone based team said Kubica is now in "an intensive training programme" but has told Renault "it is still too early" to commit to racing in F1 in 2012.

"He feels that he needs more time to return to full fitness," the team said in a media statement.

Kubica, 26, is out of contract at the end of this year and has been linked with a possible 2013 return with Ferrari.

"Lotus Renault GP remains committed to helping Robert as much as possible in his recovery process. A test car is ready and waiting for him, and a dedicated crew is on standby," the statement continued.

"Of course, Robert will remain a member of the (Renault team) family in 2012 and he is already, through his management, holding talks about renewing his contract for the following season," added Renault.

The statement quoted Kubica as saying it was a "difficult decision" to tell the team to go ahead and make its plans for 2012 without him.

"I just need more time, as I want to be 100 per cent ready before I commit to anything driving related," he said.

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