Kubica could get free practice outing in Malaysia

In a bid to further evaluate Robert Kubica this year, Renault could provide the Pole with an FP1 outing, likely in Malaysia.

Following Kubica's impressive and positive test in Hungary before the summer break, speculation ramped up about the 32-year-old making a sensational return to F1, and taking over Jolyon Palmer's seat at Renault.

Team boss Cyril Abiteboul quickly squashed the rumors however but admitted the French outfit's interest in Kubica was intact, although there remained some interrogations.

"We don't have all the answers that we potentially wanted to get from that test," said Abiteboul in Spa.

"In a perfect world we would want to do more of this type of test to see if he can race again at the level that he and we could have wanted. It may or may not be possible."

Marko: 'If Kubica has what it takes then why not?'

Speed Week is reporting that Kubica might indeed be given another chance to prove himself in a few races time, in Friday free practice ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

Abiteboul still isn't giving anything away however.

"I don't want to create speculation and I don't want to put on the team that we have some obligation to go further because there is an interest from the public to see Robert back.

"We would all like Robert to be back, but it has to make sense," he insisted.

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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.