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Ecclestone: 'Kubica can come back even stronger than before!'

Bernie Ecclestone believes Robert Kubica's place is back in Formula 1, with the former supremo convinced the Pole can come back even stronger than before.

Kubica has ramped up his comeback efforts this year, putting himself through his paces and to the task during various tests.

The former Renault driver joined the French team in Hungary over the summer at the post-GP test organized at the Budapest track, and ran for a full day yesterday with Williams, which has short-listed the Pole for 2018 along with Paul di Resta and incumbent Felipe Massa.

Ecclestone has no doubts about Kubica's ability to perform at the top level.

"If Robert had not have had his accident, then I think by now he would have been world champion anyway," Ecclestone told Autosport.

"I think he can come back even stronger than before.

"Mentally, I think probably he will be more aggressive than he was then: so I can only see good, good things for him.

"I don't think his injury will hold him back."

'Successful' Williams test for Robert Kubica

Kubica's comeback efforts are supported by Nico Rosberg's management team, and while many in F1 love the 'feel good' story his return embodies, it would also generate quite a marketing buzz, according to Ecclestone.

"If he does what I think he is going to do - be even better than before - then people will get behind him," said Ecclestone.

"He will be good to have for Formula 1. If I were Williams, I would definitely try to persuade him to join.

"Maybe they are going to lose Felipe Massa at the end of the year, I should think he has probably had enough, and if Robert is on board then he might wake up a lot of people there.

"The team hasn't been performing as well as it should have done, and whether it is because of drivers or the team in general, I don't know. Nobody knows.

"So it would be nice to get a guy who should be quick in the car to find out."

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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.