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Formula 1 hails Robert Kubica's return to action

Six years after a rally accident partially severed his right arm, Robert Kubica was back behind the wheel of an F1 car, cheered on by a few of his former colleagues.

The 32-year-old Pole was offered a private test in a 2012 Lotus E20 by Renault yesterday in Valencia, completing 115 laps in order to gauge his ability and endurance.

"I am proud with what I achieved but also it shows what I have lost," Kubica said after his day of testing.

"I ran with good and consistent pace in difficult conditions. It wasn't easy after 6 years but I knew I could do the job and can be satisfied.

"I don’t know what the future will bring."

Kubica's career as a Grand Prix driver was brutally halted by a horror crash at the Andorra rally in January 2011, just a few days after setting the pace, in Valencia, in a pre-season F1 test.

Grave injuries to his right arm prevented the Pole from returning to F1, but he did continue to fulfill his rally ambitions in the WRC in 2013.

It's unclear if Kubica is aiming for a full-time return to F1, but yesterday's apparently successful test has fueled speculation, and generated huge support from the F1 community.

Fernando Alonso, Dany Kvyat and Mark Webber all tweeted their joy to see the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner back behind the wheel.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.