Kubica is itching to be behind the wheel again. “I did the 12 Hours of Mugello in March. It was my first time on a circuit since 2010. I needed to know if I still had it in me. Driving the R.S. 01 at Spa-Francorchamps was the next step. I want to see if I can still race like a professional driver. Then I’ll decide what to to do, based on my abilities. Kubica had a serious rally accident on 6 February 2011, sustaining injuries to his hands and leg. My hands are fine. I must admit they’re more of a handicap in my day-to-day life than when I’m driving. I’m here to see how my body reacts to a weekend’s racing. It’s a test."

You can tell that Kubica is nostalgic about his time as a Formula One driver. “Qualifying requires precision and lots of concentration. Circuit racing is very different to rally driving. It’s a very special moment to be back at Spa. It’s a nice track. The last time I was here it was with Renault in Formula One. It’s great to be back wearing a Renault Sport suit."

Kubica is stoked up and ready to compete. He has missed the track, the traffic and the tussles. The future looks bright. "I’ve got two projects in the pipeline. I’m 90% sure I’ll be back behind the wheel next year."

One of those projects could involve endurance racing. "I keep a close eye on endurance. I admit that up until two years ago I wasn’t very interested, but it’s different now. You need to be quick in endurance. Competition is stiff and you also have to save fuel and tyres. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the pinnacle of endurance racing." So, we just have to wait and see what the the former Renault F1 driver decides.

Kubica won his class in the Renault Sport Trophy on Saturday taking third place overall, and came fourth in Sunday’s sprint race. 

Photo: DPPI/Renault Sport