Robert Kubica admitted he had mixed feelings after the private test he conducted at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo. The Polish driver returned to a Formula 1 cockpit for the first time in over six years.
Robert completed 115 laps on Tuesday (June 6), using the team’s 2012 specification, Renault V8 powered E20. Robert conducted several evaluations with various fuel loads.
This was Robert’s first time in a Formula 1 car since pre-season testing for the 2011 season, his previous outing being in the Renault R31 at the same circuit in February 2011. Robert Kubica had a serious rally accident prior to the start of the 2011 Formula 1 season. Subsequently, he tested several racing cars, including single-seaters.
“I would like to thank everybody for making this possible and hope it was a good day for everyone. Maybe they saw something of my old, 2010 self”, Robert Kubica commented.
“For me, it has been an important day from an emotional point of view. It has been a long time away from the paddock and I have been through difficult periods, I kept working hard. And a few years ago I felt it was impossible. I have mixed feelings, I am proud with what I achieved today, but also it shows what I have lost. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I know one thing, after working for more than one year to prepare for this, I ran with good pace and consistent in difficult conditions. It is not easy after six years, but I knew I could do the job and I can be satisfied. I appreciate the opportunity. Renault gave me my first F1 test in 2005, so I appreciate another test this time around.”
Robert Kubica: “It is not easy after six years, but I knew I could do the job and I can be satisfied. I appreciate the opportunity”
“It was good to see Robert back in a Formula 1 car”, Sporting Director Alan Permane.
“It was a smooth day. We tried to condense a Grand Prix weekend into one day, which was interesting for him. Robert has changed a little, he is more mellow and he wasn’t as pushy when asking for every detail about the set-up of the car! His comments and feedback, however, were like turning the clock back for all of us.”
“It is a tricky thing to jump into an F1 car after six years and it was a great performance from him. This was a one-off event for Robert. His time with Renault was cut short so abruptly and we perceived such a nice future with him. The team was in Valencia testing with Sergey Sirotkin, so it was the perfect opportunity to offer Robert a day in the car and contribute in our way to his recovery.”
Robert complained about grip, understeer, downforce and had the biggest smile on after his 115 laps!! ? #Kubica pic.twitter.com/dOqJCc0iez
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) June 6, 2017
