Robert Kubica Impresses During F1’s Hungary Test

Robert Kubica has jumped behind the wheel of a 2017 Formula One car for the first time and performed well in testing at the Hungaroring.

During day two of testing, current championship leader Sebastian Vettel topped the timesheets with a 1:17.124 and was followed closely behind by 17-year-old Lando Norris with a 1:17.384. Kimi Raikkonen was the third quickest while Kubica secured the fourth fastest time with a 1:18.572 on the Ultrasoft tires.

Throughout a gruelling day of testing, the Polish racing driver completed 142 laps and showed poise and endurance throughout, Sky Sports reports.

Kubica said he had no troubles coming to terms with the high downforce levels of the 2017 Renault but did say he was not 100 per cent happy with his performance.

“Yes, [I’m happy] but not 100 percent happy. The biggest difference is this car has nothing similar or same as the cars I have been testing lately.

“When you have so many things that are different, it normally takes a bit of time to adapt. Coming here, actually Nico Hulkenberg said the same, that once I will be able to drive here, probably I’ll be able to drive everywhere.

“You can predict it wasn’t easy, which I’m not hiding, but it was good. I could drive, I think, tomorrow easily so fitness level is good, which is a good sign,” the 32-year-old said.

Renault says evaluating drivers was part of its programme for the second day of testing, increasing hopes that Kubica could return to the sport.