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Paddy Lowe says Robert Kubica is "definitely a strong option" to get the green light for a test in Abu Dhabi. For several days, it has been rumoured that the former Renault and BMW driver will get a chance to prove himself in Williams' 2017 car in the post-race Abu Dhabi test following the forthcoming season finale. "We are considering what the best options are for the two days of tyre testing, and he (Kubica) is definitely a strong option," team boss Lowe told the Finnish broadcaster C More.
With Felipe Massa retiring, there are other candidates to replace the Brazilian veteran as well, including Paul di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein and Daniil Kvyat. "We're open minded," Lowe said. "The important thing is that we have the best lineup next year in terms of performance."
It is rumoured that Toro Rosso refugee Kvyat would bring Russian sponsors to Williams, but Russian motor racing chief Igor Yermilin thinks Kubica has the best chance. "In purely sporting terms, they are approximately equal, but from the point of view of PR, probably the Kubica story is preferable," he told Sportbox. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (8)
Login to replyBarron
Posts: 625
This is beginning to be a painful long drawn out saga. I cannot imagine what it’s like for Robert..But, he’s still in with a shout, that’s what is important. Of course, if Williams decide not to proceed with Robert, it will generate a wave of negative publicity and they’ve kind of backed themselves into a corner on that one because they’ve taken so long over their decision.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
if this were true: "The important thing is that we have the best lineup next year in terms of performance."
Then Stroll would not be part of next year's lineup. Simple. We can argue all day about whether Kubica, Kvyat, or Di Resta should have a seat.
NSBiker
Posts: 18
This is definitely getting drawn out waaay too long.
Not like Williams to take on two Pay-Drivers. Probably not the best approach.
The test results, if we get to see them, will be interesting. Rooting for RK.
Seems lots of folks like taking shots at Stroll. Say what you like, but he seems to be very good at staying out of trouble, being opportunistic (right place, right time) and scoring points.
40 so far. Not that bad. Ask J. Palmer and he had two years.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Palmer had a worse car though... But I find it far too early to judge Stroll. Give him one more year, if he hasnnt improved by then, then yes, someone else should have his seat.
Barron
Posts: 625
40 points for Stroll is not too shabby though especially considering the 2017 Williams is a bit of a dog. People forget, he’s still a teenager..
juju_hound
Posts: 180
40 points of Stroll while Massa got 42... seems Stroll doing very well.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I actually havent noticed that the difference between Massa and Stroll was so miniscule, but thats quite okay. I wouldnt necessarily say impressive, but he is definitely not worthy of the bad rep he has recieved. He is as of now far from Maldonado 2.0.
s_ya
Posts: 21
Kubica wants a 100% guarantee for all the stages of 2018, Williams fears about his speed in the stages with difficult conditions ... Tests in Abu Dhabi will not show anything, not the most difficult route, and in terms of climate too ...