Williams development role 'a good surprise' for Kubica

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Robert Kubica says his current development work with Williams, despite putting him on Formula 1's sidelines, has been surprisingly rewarding.

Kubica has not yet fulfilled his dream of returning to the cockpit as a full-time Grand Prix driver, but the 33-year-old's duties with the Grove-based outfit have still brought him a sense of satisfaction.

"It has been a good surprise for me," the Pole told Motorsport.com.

"I thought it would be more difficult to watch the others racing but, because this opportunity gives me a chance to live my passion, not as a race driver but with an active role in the team, it is rewarding.

"I don’t see it as a negative that I’m not racing and the others are."

Kubica says left-handed driving style suits him

Unfortunately, it's been a dismal season for Williams, the British outfit fielding an FW41 car pinned down by a design flaw.

While the team is working hard to pull itself out of the doldrums, with Kubica's help, its development and reserve driver reckons his contribution could have been greater without the FW41's troubles.

"In our situation, we are working on trying to solve things, so it’s a bit different to what my role was planned to be," said Kubica.

"In the situation where the car ran smoothly, I would have a big impact.

"On the other hand, I am also working on the simulator and trying to improve this area of the team. And I’m taking part in the technical meetings and stuff like this.

"It’s quite an open-minded position and that’s what I think is satisfactory for myself and for the team."

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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.