Kubica could drive ’80 percent of F1 tracks’

Editor

Robert Kubica would like to return to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car but concedes that taking part in a race weekend is “something totally different” to testing.

The Polish driver’s Formula 1 career was cut short in 2011 when he crashed on the first stage of the Ronde di Andora rally, suffering severe arm injuries.

Kubica has since spent time rallying while this season he will take part in the World Endurance Championship with ByKolles.

But what he really wants is to test a Formula 1 car again.

“Three years ago they offered me the chance to test an F1 car, but at that moment I didn’t have the confidence to do well,” he said in an interview with Motorsport.com.

“I know that often some chances only come one time, but I always wanted to be sure about my condition and what I can do. And if I was not sure, I always said to myself – forget it.

“My physical condition is not a common one, and few people have experienced similar circumstances. Everyone reacts in a different way, and that can be a very personal thing.”

Asked if he would say yes if he was offered an F1 test today, the 32-year-old said he would but acknowledges that testing is very different to lining up on the grid for a grand prix weekend.

“Yes,” he replied. “Today I would answer differently – I would like to try a Formula 1 car.

“It has been a while [since I drove one], so I would have to prove myself – but I think I could do it well.

“I would like to relive the thrill of the Formula 1 experience. I have tried many simulators, and I am convinced that I would drive at 80 percent of the F1 tracks – but not all of them.

“I also have to point out that testing a Formula 1 car is one thing – a race weekend is something totally different.

“In my last three seasons of F1, I managed to achieve a remarkable performance level – a level I think I lack a little bit of now.

“In 2010 with Renault, I think I did nothing wrong – and to get to that level of performance you have to work hard for so many years. In rallying I missed this aspect – the time that you need to prepare to be your best – as everything was done too quickly.”