F1
Why unloved Lotus 76 may be Colin Chapman's most significant car
A wide variety of Lotus cars are often proffered as the ultimate F1 game-changer – but was the Lotus 76 an unusual candidate which trumps them all?
Renault confirms second Kubica test
Kubica comeback another step closer as Renault confirms the Pole will test with them again
Renault Sport has just confirmed that Robert Kubica will test with them again – at Paul Ricard in the same Lotus E20 in which he so impressed at Valencia a few weeks ago. After his comments from Goodwood that he rated his chances of an F1 comeback at “80 to 90%”, this development from Renault further fuels speculation that we may see him on the Grand Prix grid six years on from his last appearance.
In the statement, Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul says: “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. 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.”
Nothing is yet decided but there is clearly a desire from within the team to assess just how feasible a comeback would be. After his Valencia test, Kubica spent time with Renault’s chosen sports performance centre, where his physical and mental capabilities were tested extensively and could be compared to the database of current drivers. Following what is said to have been a highly favourable report from there to the team, the second test session was arranged – set for Wednesday of next week. Should this test go well, the first opportunity of having him test a current F1 Renault R 17 hybrid would be in the post-Hungarian Grand Prix test at Budapest.
The hurdles referred to include his ability to meet the regulation cockpit evacuation test within the specified five-seconds, given the weakness and non-rotation of his right arm. Observers at the Valencia test report that he didn’t appear to have any particular difficulty in vacating the cockpit – but until it is actually timed, that remains a valid question mark.
There is no commitment yet from either side, but the goal they are working towards seems clear.
Read more:
You may also like
F1
Racing through the pain barrier: drivers who endured agony to reach the finish line
Finishing sixth in the Bahrain Grand Prix with broken wrists and a fractured toe, Lance Stroll is the latest racer to block out torturous pain rather than miss a race. Here are some of the most incredible stories
F1
The scramble to catch Red Bull – can any F1 team close the gap?
The hot pursuit of keeping up with Red Bull is causing serious headaches for Mercedes and Ferrari, with Aston Martin remaining realistic
F1
Unsettled Williams lacks 'vision of excellence' says new F1 boss Vowles
Williams was the second-most improved F1 team at the Bahrain GP, with Alex Albon scoring a point. But new team principal James Vowles says that it will take years to break into the midfield fight, as he overcomes the legacy left by seasons of struggle