Williams' Lowe gives Kubica a clean bill of health

©WRI2

Robert Kubica is inching closer to a sensational comeback after Williams said it had no concerns over the Pole's physical ability to race in Formula 1.

Kubica's ultimate evaluation, which concludes today in Abu Dhabi, has so far been very satisfactory according to Williams tech boss and team partner Paddy Lowe, who says "there are no issues" around the driver's fitness.

"Robert did a great job, we were very happy - absolutely with the number of laps and with the running altogether," Lowe said about yesterday's session.

"[His feedback is] very good. He is a driver of tremendous experience and very knowledgeable around his work.

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"His job is a professional racing driver so he has that confidence and you can feel it in the garage so everybody’s happy with Robert."

Lowe gave no hint about William's ultimate decision regarding its 2018 driver line-up but all signs appear to indicate that Kubica's chances are as strong as ever.

The team has been particularly impressed with the 32-year-old's determination to return to F1 after a seven-year hiatus caused by an injury sustained in his 2011 rally crash.

"Robert is a driver that we’ve all admired when he drove in Formula 1 and even since then," he said.

"It’s a great example of his character and that he considered coming back from this accident that he had and fighting away, just seeking if he could come back into Formula 1."

"We’ll keep working," Lowe concluded.

"We’re concentrating on the testing and then we’ll regroup afterwards to make our decision for next year in terms of racing."

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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.