Kubica crashes out of Rallye du Var

Robert Kubica: photo - PAP/Sebastien Nogier

The accident happened on the penultimate stage of the three-day event, and until that point, the Polish driver had maintained an authoritative lead throughout the race.

Although Kubica's car burst into flames after the crash, reporters have assured that both the driver and his pilot emerged unharmed from the vehicle.

“I talked with Robert and I can confirm that nothing has happened to him,” said Eryk Melgwa, a journalist from Polish television channel TVP Sport.

“According to my information, the reason they came off course was probably pilot error, with the pilot dictating incorrect advice,” he added.

It is the second time that the Polish racer has had to pull out of a rally this year.

In September, he crashed a Subaru during the San Martino di Castrozza rally.

Kubica's return to racing this autumn came after a serious accident in February 2011 in the Ronde di Andorra rally.

The 27-year-old is still undergoing rehabilitation, and a question mark hangs over his prospective return to Formula 1.

“I have big limitations with my arm which don't allow me to test in single-seaters,” he revealed at a conference earlier this month. (nh)