Polish driver Robert Kubica returned to the seat of an F1 car after 6 long years. The former Canadian GP winner sustained severe injuries following a rally crash back in 2011. His injuries were so severe that he was faced with the possibility of losing his F1 career. However, on the 7th of June, Kubica drove a Lotus E20 with the 2017 Renault livery. The Pole checked in 115 laps in a private test conducted by Renault.

“I would like to thank everybody for making this possible, I hope it was a good day for everyone and maybe they saw something of my old, 2010 self,” said the 32-year old. “For me, it has been an important day from an emotional point of view. It has been a long time away from the paddock and I have been through difficult periods, I kept working hard and a few years ago I felt it was impossible. I have mixed feelings, I am proud with what I achieved today, but also it shows what I have lost.”

Kubica said that he had good pace and was consistent during his run. He admitted that it was not easy to return after a 6-year gap but he had faith in himself. Renault’s sporting director Alan Permane said that it was like turning back the clock. “It was good to see Robert back in a Formula 1 car. [He] has changed a little, he is more mellow and he wasn’t as pushy when asking for every detail about the set-up of the car!” he said “This was a one-off event for Robert. His time with Renault was cut short so abruptly and we perceived such a nice future with him. The team was in Valencia testing with Sergey Sirotkin, so it was the perfect opportunity to offer Robert a day in the car and contribute in our way to his recovery.”