Williams: Abu Dhabi test to answer Kubica questions

Williams will use the post-season Abu Dhabi to evaluate whether Robert Kubica’s injuries will “have an impact on his ability to drive in Formula 1,” revealed Paddy Lowe.

Although reports last week suggested that the Polish driver had already signed a two-year deal to race for Williams, the team were quick to deny.

Lowe has now revealed that they won’t make a decision until after the Abu Dhabi test as that will give them a better understanding of Kubica’s limitations.

“Robert is an impressive guy,” the Williams chief told Autosport.

“We all saw how he operated in Formula 1 in the past – he’s a great driver, very professional, very committed, enthusiastic, very intelligent. He’s an exciting prospect, that’s why we’re looking at him.

“We’re in a process with Robert, which is a matter of evaluating whether his injuries will have an impact on his ability to drive in Formula 1, it’s as simple as that.

“So far it’s been fine, is all I’d say – we ran the 2014 car and there were no issues, so I think we just see how it goes next week, then we make our assessment.

“He will do a normal programme and in the process we can answer those questions.”

Admitting that there are still other drivers in line to partner Lance Stroll next season, Lowe added that Williams must not let public opinion and the fans’ desire to see Kubica back in action affect their decision.

“I pick that up – a lot of people do say that how great it would be if Robert was back in F1 – we’ll see,” he added.

“It’s important to be objective in what we do.

“There are other drivers still under consideration, but we know how they perform because they’ve been racing – we have lots of race data.”