32-year-old driver Robert Kubica will return to an Formula One car once again, with Renault Sport F1 offering the Pole a second chance in their 2012 E20 machine.
The test, which will take place at Paul Ricard, is to continue to assess his driving abilities and may be the teams attempt to get him ready to race in the top category once again. He has already trained in their simulator and according to the BBC, was faster than even main driver Nico Hulkenberg.
Kubica last raced in Formula One in 2010, for the then-named Renault F1 Team. He was unable to compete in the following 2011 season after a crash in the Ronde di Andora Rally caused his forearm to be partially amputated, thus ensuring he would not be able to withstand the demands of an F1 car again.
Cyril Abiteboul, the Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing said; “Whilst the first day of testing at Valencia was no more than to let Robert get reacquainted with the feel of driving again, this second test will be to assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition.”
The news will escalate rumours of Jolyon Palmer‘s precarious position within the team after lackluster results over the last year and a half.
“This is a new phase in his personal and professional journey and we are proud to support him in the form of lending our infrastructure at Paul Ricard that is suitable for professional and non-professional drivers.
“There are still many hurdles for him to overcome, and he knows better than anyone else that only his performance will determine if he can one day return to being a professional driver.”
