Unsupportive Villeneuve says Kubica return 'sends the wrong message'

Jacques Villeneuve admits that Robert Kubica's miraculous return to the F1 grid is an amazing feat, but also one that sends the wrong message according to the Canadian.

Kubica's personal uphill battle to return to the fray after his devastating rally crash in 2011 left him with a partially disabled right arm has been heralded as one of the greatest comeback stories in sport.

But the always controversial Mr. Villeneuve logically has a different view on the 34-year-old Williams driver's feel-good story.

Why was Kubica seized with panic on the grid in Melbourne?

"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," the Canadian told Dutch website Formule1.nl.

"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing.

"Then you will work even harder to get it back. I am also sure that he will do everything to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."

But after praising Kubica for his efforts, the 1997 world champion gave the Pole a proper - and ludicrous - dressing-down.

"I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport," Villeneuve added.

"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion. Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class.

"Then it is not good for the sport if anyone with a disability can participate. At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes.

"Formula 1 must be tough, must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."

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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.