Over 100 laps in 2012 car on Pole's first test since 2011 rally crash
Wednesday 7 June 2017 06:13, UK
Robert Kubica has driven a Formula 1 car for the first time since suffering career-changing injuries in a 2011 rallying accident.
The 32-year-old, winner of the 2008 Canadian GP, was behind the wheel of a 2012 Lotus decked out in Renault livery at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit, the scene of Kubica's last F1 test before his horrific rally crash six years ago.
Renault confirmed Kubica completed 115 laps in Spain, with the private test following on from his single-seater runs in GP3 and Formula E machinery in recent months.
The former BMW and Lotus driver was widely tipped as a future world champion before his one-off participation in an Italian rally between pre-season F1 tests dramatically changed the course of his career.
Just three days after setting the pace at 2011's opening pre-season test, Kubica crashed into a church wall during the Ronde di Andora rally and suffered severe damage to his right hand, arm and leg. He underwent several hours of surgery and suffered a partial amputation of his forearm.
With the restricted movement of his arm initially prohibiting him from driving a single-seater again, Kubica made his competitive return in World Rally in 2013 before racing on circuits again last year.
Before the crash, Kubica was fast emerging as a major talent in the sport.
In 2008, he claimed his maiden F1 victory, winning the Canadian GP for BMW Sauber, and he registered three podiums finishes for Renault in 2010, his final season in F1 prior to his accident.
In 2012, Fernando Alonso declared: "For me the best driver is Robert Kubica. When he returns, which will surely be soon, I'm sure he will continue to be the best driver."
Why has Kubica returned now?
Renault haven't commented on why Kubica has returned to action and news of his drive only leaked on Monday. But inevitably his comeback drive has prompted speculation that the Pole is seeking a full-time return to F1.
There are, however, many hurdles for Kubica still to clear if a return to F1 is to become a reality.
'So why did we keep it quiet? It was a private test, for Robert,' tweeted Renault. 'But we can tell you this... Robert complained about grip, understeer, downforce and had the biggest smile on after his 115 laps!!'
The substantial lap count would seemingly signal that not only was this anything but a sentimental return to an F1 car, but Kubica was comfortable with the physical demands exerted.
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