12 Oct 2017

Kubica poised for F1 return

1:51 pm on 12 October 2017

Polish Formula One driver Robert Kubica has completed a one-day test with Williams at Silverstone as he pushes for a comeback after a seven- year absence

Polish driver Robert Kubica.

Polish driver Robert Kubica. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The F1 team said they had a "successful day" with the 32-year-old driving a 2014-specification FW36 car at the British Grand Prix circuit.

No lap times or any further information about the programme were provided.

The Pole, who won the 2008 Canadian grand prix with BMW Sauber in 2008, is scheduled for a further assessment at Budapest's Hungaroring this month with Williams' British reserve driver Paul di Resta also due to feature in that two- day test.

Both are in the frame to replace 36-year-old Felipe Massa, should Williams decide not to renew the Brazilian's contract.

Kubica partially severed his right forearm in an horrific 2011 crash during a rally he entered for fun before the start of that F1 season, and there are lingering doubts about his arm movement.

However, he completed 142 laps of the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit in August in a test with Renault that revealed no "obvious roadblocks", according to the French team.

He is being assisted by Germany's 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, a friend and former rival who started his F1 career with Williams in 2006 before moving to Mercedes.

"He showed in the Renault test he is ready and there's no doubt about that anymore. Physically he is 100 percent in the car, so it's a really exciting time," Rosberg told Sky Sports television at the weekend in Japan.

"He did double race stints with Renault and was always on the pace so there's not that to prove. I think it's more about getting to know each other and see if it's a good fit."

Reuters