Robert Kubica Could Become Pirelli’s Test Driver In 2013

It has been speculated that former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica could well find a route back to the F1 grid by becoming Pirelli’s test driver next season, after the Polish driver was severely injured in a horrific rallying incident back in February last year. Kubica has recently returned to racing in rallying, but still eyes a future return to Formula 1.

These rumors come as Pirelli’s current test driver Jaime Alguersuari looks set to announce plans of a return to a full-time drive in Formula 1, most likely with either Force India or Caterham should either of their current drivers move come seasons end. This would open the door to Robert Kubica to become the new Pirelli test driver, especially as Pirelli currently use the 2010 Renault F1 car which the Pole last raced in Formula 1.

“We are more likely to work with Robert [Kubica] in rallying I guess, rather than F1, but we will see.” Explained Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery, on the possibility of the Italian tyre company working with the Polish driver. “I haven’t spoken to Robert for some time and we are working on a few projects that might involve him, so it might well be a possibility. I don’t know if he is able to do it at the moment. But he is that type of person if physically he could get back in, then maybe doing a year with us would put him in a good situation to come back in in 2014. It would be wonderful if we could do that. We want to continue our success level of helping drivers into F1. After an F1 drive, the Pirelli test deal has to be the best drive in the world.”

Robert Kubica was widely regarded as one of the most talented F1 drivers in the field back in 2011 prior to his incident, which has put a halt on his progress in the sport. Should Kubica finally return to the wonderful world of Formula 1 with Pirelli, his duties as their test driver would include days testing around numerous tracks such as Jerez and Spa-Francorchamps as Pirelli strive to continue manufacturing their highly controversial P Zero and Cinturato tyre range.

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Robert Kubica – Will He Return As We Know Him?

When it was announced that Robert Kubica would not be involved in Formula One this season, I’m sure I was amongst thousands who’s hearts sunk. Like or dislike him, no-one can deny that Robert Kubica is, along with Alonso and Hamilton, one of the top drivers currently in the sport. Or he was. Will his near life-threatening accident in February affect his driving?

My immediate answer is no, he’ll come back fighting just like Will Power did in IndyCars when he broke his back during the 2009 Sonoma race at Infineon. After all, Kubica did crash at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix in what looked like a fatal accident, and was only out for one race weekend (giving a young German called Vettel his debut) and then was back…stronger. So much so that a year later at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix he won the race! Showing that the huge accident had hardly affected his driving style or mentality.

I still can’t help thinking though that the seriousness of this accident might well make his return a much lengthier process. I have no disbelief that next year he’ll be back again racing in Formula One but at what level? Will he be challenging for race victories and podiums like before or will he take things at a slower pace?

I personally think he’ll bounce back and surprise us all. He might not win on his return year, but if I was Vettel, Alonso or Hamilton I’d keep and eye out for Kubica! Especially if I was Felipe Massa…