A return pathway to Formula One for Robert Kubica could be presented in the role of Pirelli test driver. Jaime Alguersuari, former Toro Rosso driver, is Pirelli’s current test driver, but they may need a replacement if Alguersuari can secure a full-time return to F1 in 2013.
When Paul Hembry, Pirelli’s motorsport director, was questioned about the possibility of recruiting Kubica he replied: “We are more likely to work with Robert in rallying I guess, rather than F1, but we will see.
“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.”
Hembry is uncertain if Kubica’s recovery has progressed enough for him to be ready to drive an F1 car. “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,” added Hembry.
“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.”
Pirelli don’t plan on making any changes to their current test car for next year, which is a 2010-spec Renault. Of course, that’s a machine Kubica is only too familiar with.
[Source: Autosport | Pic: Pirelli]
2 replies on “Pirelli test role possible for Kubica F1 comeback”
Its interesting that Pirelli are putting this option forward in the media world. Perhaps they want Kubica to knock on their door. Or perhaps they are knocking on this door, on behalf of the F1 paddock who can’t be seen directly approaching him without some form of hysteria surrounding it.
I think it is interesting that Pirelli are keen to use Kubica in rallying as well.