» Second ‘trouble-free’ test for Kubica

Former Grand Prix driver Robert Kubica has completed a second private test session for the Renault Formula 1 team on Wednesday.

The Enstone outfit confirmed that the Polish driver managed 90 “trouble-free laps” at France’s Paul Ricard circuit, with the test designed “to assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition”.

Kubica raced in Formula 1 for five seasons between 2006 and 2010, firstly with BMW Sauber and then Renault, winning the 2009 Canadian Grand Prix with the former. In the 2011 pre-season, Kubica partially amputated his right forearm in a shocking accident while competing in the first stage of the Ronde di Andora rally.

The accident appeared to have ended his Formula 1 career, and after a lengthy recovery Kubica switched to rallying – winning the FIA World Rally Championship’s second tier title in 2013 – before more recently returning to circuit racing.

Following tests in Formula E and GP2 Series machinery, Kubica had his first Formula 1 test in a Renault-run 2012-spec Lotus E20 at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo and completed 115 laps on the day. The team was reportedly impressed with his form, although it did not release any lap times from the private session.

Kubica subsequently appeared for the team at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, rating himself “80-90%” capable of being fit enough to make a comeback to Formula 1.

Having declared his first test with them as a “one-off”, Renault’s decision to give Kubica a second test would suggest that it is taking his potential comeback claims seriously.

Image via ESPN

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