Robert Kubica has claimed his second test was “even better” than the first after completing 90 laps of Circuit Paul Ricard in a 2012 Renault on Wednesday.
The Pole was participating in what the French team had described as a test that would “assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition” when it was announced late last week following his first run in a Formula 1 car in six years last month in Spain.
It is also part of the process to determine whether a much-anticipated comeback for the former BMW and Renault driver is possible, something Kubica recently rated at “80-90 percent”.
“Physically, there are no problems,” the Pole told French daily L’Equipe after the day’s running.
“In Valencia, I was already pleased with the way my body and mind had reacted. Today, I feel even better and it gives me confidence as I realise that I can drive rather well.”
Should Renault feel the same it could open the door for a first run in the 2017 car as soon as the post-Hungarian Grand Prix test in a little over two weeks. Something further hinted at after it emerged Kubica tried this year’s car in the simulator before his outing on Wednesday.
When asked if a run at the Hungaroring was possible, the 32-year-old was non-committal simply saying: “I don’t want to come back for nothing. I want to come back to the best possible level. I haven’t tested a current-spec car, so I wouldn’t be able to be ready for Silverstone.
“I would need a couple of days in a car, and that would boost my chances by 100 percent! Honestly, I’m doing my best to maximise my chances. But I don’t know what the future holds.”
The major question that hangs over the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner is whether he can physically cope with competing in a full F1 season given his limitations in his right arm which was severely injured in his near career ending rally crash in 2011.
Kubica has previously claimed he is in the best physical shape of his career as he tries to make a comeback but does acknowledge some aspects to driving are different for him now than before his accident.
“I have to compensate with my left hand, so there’s more stress on that side but it doesn’t affect my driving,” he claimed.
“The only modification in the car is the fact that I’m using my left hand to change gears.
“I don’t have any doubts about my ability but it’s still a long road ahead. I need to recover my instinct. I do have physical limitations but there is no impact on my driving.”
