Former Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica has said that he feels ready enough to try out an F1 once more.
Six years ago Kubica suffered a life-changing accident during the Ronde di Andora rally in 2011, partially severing his right forearm, the injury physically prevented him from getting behind the wheel of an F1 car again.
However, the Polish driver is all too aware of the level of performance the sport requires if he were to ever step into an F1 car again.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Kubica said: “I would like to try a Formula 1 car.”
“It has been a while, 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 per cent of the F1 tracks – but not all of them.
“I also have to point that 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.”
After winning his first race at the Canadian Grand Prix in 2008, Kubica’s path up the F1 ladder was looking ever more set for glory before his accident.
Kubica has had offers from many teams to test their cars if felt ready to, in the past, but had turned them down because he didn’t feel ready to take on the challenge.
Kubica added: “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.
“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.”
In 2017, Kubica has made a return to track racing after signing for the ByKolles LMP1 team in the World Endurance Championship, meaning he will take on the fierce Le Mans 24 hour event for the first time.
