Robert Kubica: I'm capable of F1 comeback
Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Robert Kubica believes he is capable of a full-time comeback to Formula 1 with Williams next year.
The Pole has not raced in F1 for seven years after suffering life-changing injuries in a rally accident in 2011.
The 32-year-old tested for Williams in Abu Dhabi last week and is driving in the team's simulator this week before a final decision is made.
"The most important thing is the confidence is there and the belief I can do it is there," he told BBC Sport.
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The former BMW Sauber and Renault driver is one of several contenders for the final available seat on the grid, partnering Canadian Lance Stroll.
Other drivers in the frame include Renault reserve Sergey Sirotkin, ex-Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein, former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat and Williams reserve Paul di Resta.
Kubica, who has only partial movement in his right arm as a result of the injuries he sustained, has tested three times apiece for Renault and Williams this year as he seeks to make a comeback to F1.
Asked if he felt he was 100% ready to make a return, he said: "100%? It depends. I have never been ready 100% even when I have been racing on my, let's say, gold times.
"I have done a lot. I have proved myself a lot and there are a lot of things which give me a lot of confidence and give me positive answers but the decision is not on my side.
"Whatever the outcome will be, of course when you are next to it it would be nice but you never know, I want to live day by day. I still keep training, I still keep preparing as [if] I would have a chance."
He admitted he still needed time to adapt to certain aspects of F1 after so long away.
This is believed to be a reference to the particular characteristics of the Pirelli tyres, which are notoriously difficult to handle - this was something even seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher struggled with when he returned to F1 after three years away.
"There are things which require time because the last time I drove an F1 car was more than six years ago and F1 has changed a lot and you have to get knowledge about things to extract maximum from the car and I have learned a lot from my side and my confidence has gone up," Kubica said.
But he said he would not be trying to make a comeback if he did not feel he could perform at a high level.
"I cannot be 100% sure because I think no-one is 100% sure," he said. "But I can have confidence and what I was looking for was to get a feeling and belief I can do it and that's the most important.
"The situation is not easy with my limitations but I think honestly there were a lot of questions of mine about my limitations and fitness and we should agree in the end - because I have shown - although I have limitations, fitness-wise I am ready and in fact I have never been in such a good shape as I am now.
"Of course I have to work harder because I have my limitations, and I have to prepare better and in a different way my body and mental strength, but that is part of my life."
Williams are still in a quandary over their final decision, partly because the circumstances of the Abu Dhabi test make it difficult to be absolutely clear about performance there.
Aspects of Kubica's performances were encouraging, sources close to the situation say, including his race pace, but Sirotkin appeared quicker in terms of ultimate pace over one lap and the Russian's strong showing surprised and impressed the team.
Sirotkin will also visit the Williams factory this week as both he and Kubica complete what the team describe as "post-test reviews".
Of the drivers on their list, Sirotkin is said to have the most financial backing but Williams said this was not the main factor in their decision. Their priority is on-track performance.
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Bottom line: he's there or thereabouts. It wasn't like he was several seconds adrift.
He did 100 laps (almost two race distances) on Tuesday.
Conclusion: he IS capable of a comeback
Great for inclusivity, great PR, great idea.
If he was flying, yay! Stamina, equal terms, headlines!!
Goes wrong in any way... INQUEST, INQUEST, INQUEST.
I know from experience, you reckon you're fit as anyone, and in a moment it bites. Ask anyone with a major legacy injury, trust me.
He showed in Hungary he still has plenty of speed in him, in a dismal Williams car this year.
Eer... another HYS on RK??
Come on Beeb, you only closed the last one yesterday
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Well that is the lazy journalism of Andrew Benson - just regurgitate an old story.
Consider it a F1 version of X Factor or something similar. So call it F1 Factor. Have potential drivers do various tests, where a panel of judges vote one off at the end of each episode, until the final 2 battle it out
Agreed. Again, completely tongue in cheek bringing up the incident at Monaco 2017.
Huge respect for JB who has given me plenty of entertainment throughout the years, not least, Canada 2011, definitely a Carlsberg moment.
I'd have him in the Williams without hesitation, however, his heart has not been in it following the passing of his dad and he needs a new challenge.
All this comments only shows what a self loving country England is.
I hate to burst your bubble but im Welsh not English thankfully. I suggested button because he is quicker than anyone who is available. Williams cant have a young driver due to Martini sponsorship rules.
Hence why they have to choose between Kubica and Di Resta
Being a Williams fan. I'd like to see the best person for the job in the car. I'm English and have friends that herald from all over the planet. If you bothered to read back through this HYS and the previous discussion about RK, you'd see that PV, PDR, RK, DK and PM have all been discussed. Where does self loving English equate to a few posters that would like to see JB return?
We've talked it into oblivion in the last week.
It still comes down to.
Is he good enough to take the risk? Honestly, truly, deep down?
Does his performances in F1 mark him as a stellar driver?
He can't be an also ran, he has to do achieve, will he?
Who takes the flak - by the megaton if it goes wrong, compared to the plaudits if it goes right?
While this would be a great marketing opportunity for Williams and Martini, I can't help but wish for younger guys to be given an opportunity. There are limited seats in F1 and Sirotkin has impressed massively in GP2
I would love nothing more than to see JB in a Williams but it just is not going to happen. As has been said his heart is no longer in F1 and they shafted him so I doubt he would want to go there again.
He has said he want new challenges in his life and a life away from F1.
I want Paul di resta to get it but I kinda want kubica to as well just because I'm part polish
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Is that relevant? I'm indian but I'll quite happily not see Chandok or Karthikeyan in F1 again!
I guess in a PC world it is not PC for a brit to prefer a brit. Hey ho