Kubica: “It’s a new beginning”

Robert Kubica, victim of a serious accident rally in February 2011, had no longer driven a car F1 before June 6 when he tested the Lotus Renault E20 of 2012 on behalf of the French team.

« It was a big day emotionally, tells the Pole about his day. I worked hard to get there. I was away from the paddock for a long time and above all I wanted to test myself after having experienced difficult times. It seemed impossible a few years ago, but I never stopped working.

“At the end of the day, my feelings were mixed. I'm proud of what I did, but it reminds me of what I've missed since the accident."

Since his accident, Robert Kubica has returned to rallying by winning the WRC2 championship in 2013. He also made his return to the circuit in 2016 in the Renault Sport Trophy cup and has already completed tests in GP3 and in Formula E.

« I hope this is a new beginning. I don't know what the future will bring me, but I know that after more than a year of preparation for this moment, I was able to show good rhythm and consistency in difficult conditions, especially with the strong track temperatures.

“It wasn’t obvious after six years, but it was a big surprise. I knew I could do it and I can be satisfied. Renault was the first manufacturer in F1 to test me in 2005, I appreciated this new opportunity."