Renault prepping Kubica for Hungary test?

Speculation is mounting once again that Renault could run Robert Kubica at F1's post-Hungarian GP test on August 1-2.

The Pole, whose F1 career was halted by a dramatic rally accident in early 2011, has been ramping up his come-back ambitions with two full days of testing, at Valencia and at Paul Ricard, behind the wheel of 2012 Lotus E20.

Renault has supported Kubica's efforts and is closely monitoring his progress, with team boss Cyril Abiteboul saying that the 32-year-old could be a contender for a race seat with the French outfit next season.

Germany's Bild is now reporting that Kubica will drive Renault's new-spec RS17 after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

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"If he shows his speed from the past, he should replace Jolyon Palmer from Spa-Francorchamps after the summer break," claims Bild.

Poor Jo Palmer has to contend not only with miserable reliability at Renault, but also with the prospect that he could be replaced, although Abiteboul did not say as much last weekend at Silverstone.

"Jo has had some problems with reliability, but it is true that if we had two drivers who scored, we would not be eighth in the world championship," said the Renault Sport F1 boss.

"We are not testing Kubica for PR reasons. He is still fast and has the same energy."

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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.