Kubica to drive at Hungaroring post-GP test!

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Robert Kubica will finally get the opportunity to test a new-spec F1 car next week as Renault has included the Pole in its Hungary test line-up.

As he attempts a comeback to the pinnacle of racing following his rally crash in 2011 which brought his F1 career to a premature halt, Kubica will see his ability put to the task behind the wheel of Renault's RS17.

Kubica ramped up his preparations with the help of the French outfit by testing a 2012 V8-powered Lotus E20 in Valencia last month.

The successful run prompted Renault to offer the driver additional mileage at the Paul Ricard Circuit on July 12, and again the day was considered sufficiently positive for the manufacturer to provide Kubica with the all-important test in Hungary next week.

Wolff would welcome Kubica back to Formula 1

"The first two days of testing allowed both Robert and ourselves to gather a great amount of information," said Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul.

"The upcoming session with the R.S.17 at the Hungaroring will allow us all to obtain detailed and precise data in a current car and representative conditions.

"After this test, we will carefully analyse the collected information to determine in what conditions it would be possible for Robert to return to competition in the upcoming years."

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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.