09 June, 2017
In case you don't remember his F1 days, Kubica showed massive promise in a fairly uncompetitive BMW Sauber auto, but is mainly infamous for a monumental accident at the 2007 Canadian GP than his seven podiums and one win at the Canadian GP a year later. From replacing Villeneuve in 2006, to enduring a horrific 75 G crash at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, then winning the same race the following year.
The crash had partially severed his right forearm and though Kubica had been determined to return to the sport he loved, he never recovered enough to meet the demands of the physically-intensive F1 cars.
The legacy of that injury meant his arm movement was restricted and a return to F1, the pinnacle of motorsport, seemed unlikely - until now.
Having completed over 100 laps on his first time back in an F1 auto, Kubica admits it was a major milestone for him to be able to drive one.
Robert Kubica yesterday completed 115 laps in a 2012-spec Renault Formula 1 vehicle at the Valencia circuit during a test initially for Russian reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin. The Enstone team raced under the Lotus name between 2012 and 2015, which is why they have access to said auto.
But on Tuesday he completed a full day's testing with Renault at the Ricardo Tormo track in Valencia, Spain. It has been a long time away from the paddock and I have been through hard periods. "I have mixed feelings, I am proud with what I achieved today, but also it shows what I have lost".
The first time Robert stepped in a Renault F1 auto was back in 2005, when he was selected for a test, and he stated that he was happy to have another go in a vehicle like this.
"I don't know what the future will bring", Kubica added. Back in one of our cars after six years.
"It is a tricky thing to jump into an F1 vehicle after six years and it was a great performance from him", Permane said in a statement. His collaboration with Renault was abruptly cut short, while we saw a bright future for him.
Fernando Alonso and Daniil Kvyat have been the first Formula 1 drivers to give a nod to Robert Kubica's private Renault test in Valencia.
