Lowe: Kubica's physical issues 'not a factor' for Williams

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Williams technical director Paddy Lowe believes the limitations of Robert Kubica's right arm won't impair the driver's performance during his come-back season.

Kubica's massive rally crash in 2011inflicted a severe injury to the Pole's right arm and put a temporary end to the Pole's career in F1.

Years of physical therapy and patience, and many miles of testing, have brought Kubica back to F1, with Williams taking a bet on the 34-year-old, widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers on the grid a decade ago.

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As far as Lowe is concerned, the British outfit has no reservations about its driver's ability to perform.

"It is clearly something we had to consider in the selection, because you can't pretend that is not an issue, or potential issue," Lowe told Motorsport.com.

"But now we've made our decision and we are confident that Robert is absolutely top class and ready to return to F1.

"I don't even think about it anymore, it is just not a factor.

"Robert is our driver, he's 100% competent, he is 100% committed, we're 100% committed and we'll just go with that.

"Maybe other people from outside may bring that up, but it is not even in our minds."

Williams entrusted Kubica with several FP1 sessions last season, and the mileage served as an opportunity to gauge the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner's potential.

But the running also served the purpose of convincing Kubica himself that he is up to the task of racing competitively at the highest level once again.

"If I think I will not be able to drive competitively fast I would not be here," Kubica said back in December.

"This is a normal way of thinking, that people see my limitations and they ask how it's possible that I do it.

"I know that it's hard to believe but Williams has seen it this year and I have seen it [for] the last 16 or 18 months, since I first tested an F1 car in Valencia that I can do it.

"It's a difficult task and a very ambitious goal, but I think I'm well known for not taking on things that are light and easy," he added.

"Whether it works or how close I am, much will depend on how I feel in the car and what the new car is like. How will it behave? This can greatly simplify or complicate the matter."

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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.