The last few months have seemed to point towards an increase in the likelihood of Robert Kubica returning to compete in Formula One, especially after he took part in a successful test with the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team.
When questioned about the possibility of his return after several years out of the sport after his horror rallying crash in 2011, Kubica claimed that he believed that it was ’80-90%‘ possible.
Following on from his first test in Valencia, it is believed that he will partake in another outing with Renault later this month, although date and location have not yet been disclosed. This, coupled with growing doubts of current Renault driver, Jolyon Palmer, has added fuel to the fire of his return.
Speaking to Auto Express at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Kubica commented that “if you asked me how much I was realistically thinking that coming back to F1 was possible [before the test], I would have put myself up to 10% or maximum 20% chance,” but after the test he claimed, “because I’m very realistic, and I’m keeping my feet on the ground, I’d put it at 80 or 90% [now].”
Having been actively involved in many forms of motorsport since his crash, he claimed that it didn’t feel as though it had been six years since he had last been in a Formula 1 car.
“You build up your own question marks, based on how you know yourself and your body.”
“Then it becomes much easier than I thought. This gives you good confidence and puts you on a completely different level – of trying to have a better feeling in the car and better performance.
“Once my comfort, or let’s say limitation things, were gone in three laps, I could concentrate on trying to get back to the proper rhythm. I’m surprised how it felt; it felt for me like I hadn’t driven for one month, not six years.”
The test also restored his faith in his abilities in a Formula One car, but he is not allowing himself to be swept away by the buzz that currently surrounds him and his chances.
“My first target was to see if I could be capable of doing it. Second, let’s say, realistically talking, is raising the game slowly and step by step. F1 is a tough competition and I have been away from racing a long time.”
