Renault F1 team has confirmed that Robert Kubica will test for them at the second in-season test of the year at the Hungaroring, following the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend. The Pole will be getting his first taste of a hybrid F1 car as he targets a return to motorsport's pinnacle.
Kubica was forced to pull out of the 2011 season due to a major injury suffered while rallying. Last month, he drove an F1 car for the first time in five years, taking part in a private test for Renault at Valencia, clocking up 115 laps.
Hungary will host the second in-season test, which will take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday following the race around the same track. Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of the team, admitted that the test will be a true indication of whether or not he is capable of a full-time return.
"The first two days of testing allowed both Robert and ourselves to gather a great amount of information," said Abiteboul. "The upcoming session with the R.S.17 at the Hungaroring will allow us all to obtain detailed and precise data in a current car and representative conditions.
"After this test, we will carefully analyse the collected information to determine in what conditions it would be possible for Robert to return to competition in the upcoming years," he concluded.
Fergal Walsh
Replies (10)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
He could be coming back!
talktohenry
Posts: 362
I think he won't have the strength for the new cars, and he looks like he's doesn't look very fit and healthy generally. I think Renault harping back to days long gone for RK, but I hope I am proved wrong....good luck to him.
Barron
Posts: 625
Yes I agree. They never show his right arm in photos and I've always wondered why. I can't see how he would have the strength required even with power steering those wide front slicks are a handful, but like others say, if he can do it, it would be an amazing come back..
NEXT SPARE VAMP
Posts: 1,874
"he looks like he's doesn't look very fit and healthy generally"
Have you seen any recent pictures or video footage?
DutchTreath
Posts: 5,058
Whit Zanardi the didn't show his legs to much eather. That's no reason at all. And please don't forget he drove a F1 car already for 193 laps with no problems at all. The generation 2017 F1 cars you can compare with the 2012 cars, with the only difference that they have more G- force in the corners, so that only need a good physical for the neck and body, and has nothing to do with his arm in general. I think he will perform great in the new car. I have no doubt about that.
mhejjas
Posts: 3
My guess is that Renault probably investigated this issue thoroughly. They had to, because testing possibilities are seriously limited, so it would be a huge handicap for the team to waste a full test on a driver who won't be able to race eventually. I'm biased though, because I'd love to see him racing again.
juju_hound
Posts: 180
I don't know how old is this photo
http://jastrzabpost.pl/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/DBO8M8QXUAEVys9.jpg
juju_hound
Posts: 180
Another one
http://img4.dmty.pl/uploads/comments/870f/870f1439a9e387847cb73e1c038cb06a.jpeg
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
According to the image information, it was last edited in June 2017, meaning it could very well be a recent picture. But either, that arm isnt very functional anyway, sadly.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
If he's fast why not. Good luck to him.