Was Kubica faster than Sirotkin in Valencia?

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Few details have transpired from Robert Kubica's return to an F1 cockpit earlier this week in Valencia.

The 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner was offered a private test at the wheel of a Renault-liveried 2012 Lotus E20 supplied by the French manufacturer in order to gauge his physical ability to drive in earnest an F1 car.

According to Italy's La Gazetta dello Sport, the 32-year-old did a condensed programme of an entire race weekend at Valencia, including race starts and pitstops.

"It seems that Kubica was faster than the official tester Sergey Sirotkin," said Gazetta correspondent Luigi Perna.

"The limitations in movement of his right arm, which was operated on 18 times since the accident, is an obstacle Kubica has been able to compensate for and overcome over time," said Perna.

Kubica: 'I am proud with what I achieved'

The report said the only modification to the Renault car was the single gearshift lever, so that Kubica could change both up and down with his left hand.

And Perna said Kubica started preparing for a serious comeback 12 months ago, when he "began to train like crazy on the bike, slimming more than 10kg".

"The next goal, one might hope, is another test or a free practice session at a Grand Prix," he said.

"The sensational F1 return of Robert Kubica is no longer a forbidden dream."

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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.