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Robert Kubica will once again step in behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as Renault has granted the Pole another opportunity to test. Kubica drove an F1 car for the first time since 2010 last month, completing 115 laps in a private session.
Kubica drove the Lotus E20 wearing a 2017 Renault livery. He is now scheduled to drive again, however a spokesperson for the team would not reveal any details: "There is nothing from us whatsoever," a spokesman said when pushed about where it would be and when it would occur.
Sources also report that since his last on-track test, he has tried out the simulator, matching the pace of lead Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg. Many fans are hoping for a return for Kubica who pulled out of the 2011 season after a serious rally collision.
Fernando Alonso has described Kubica as the best of this generation, as he was able to beat everyone in all the junior categories. The 32-year-old has one career win to his name, coming at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, one year after his horrific crash at the same venue.
"I know I can do pretty well behind the wheel of an F1 car already after one day of testing. So more can come from me," Kubica said. "It is a good feeling. It is something I was not expecting, to deliver so good straight away. This gives me, not confidence because I knew as a drive the skills are there, but a relief that can do it physically, that I can make the job."
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (6)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A second test, eh? He might have a chance of returning after all. Though Im not sure how good it is for him. I dont want him to return only to worsen his injuries.
HEINZ
Posts: 61
Wtf is Palmer still doing there????! Replace him with Robert ASAP :)
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I see no reason not to replace Palmer with Robert. It would be a marketing slam dunk. Furthermore, his performance seems very promising. If the comments about his times are true that would be remarkable if not unprecedented. I remember when Mika Hakkinen came back after two years retired was two seconds off pace after a day or two of testing.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
My main concern, as stated above, is Kubica's health. It would be dreadful to put him in a car only to worsen his injuries. And furthermore, he has little functionality in one of his arms, his formerly dominant arm at that. Even if he has trained substantially, its a bit of a risk to let him race in F1, both for himself and for others. Chances are he could lose control over the car and crash. That aside, I'd like to see him back. He has talent, and it was really sad when he crash and hurt himself.
Smiler121
Posts: 53
Pretty sure that they won't stick him in a race seat if there is a real chance of complications & let's face it he's a true racer so I'm sure he us working extremely hard to ensure he won't waste Renault's time.
juju_hound
Posts: 180
Robert was waiting 6 years being sure he is not able to drive F1 car and after just one test he realised he is able to so let wait for another test in 2017 car what will answer a question if Robert is able to drive this monster car - it will be not answer for us - it will be an answer for him.