Kubica's star status helped "mask" rookie truth

Robert Kubica claims his 'rookie' return to F1 was "masked" by his star status. When returning to Formula 1 testing last year, he claims he was effectively a rookie driver.

Last year, Renault gave Kubica a test drive. It didn't result in a seat in F1 this season, but it did get him a step closer at Williams. He is currently their test and reserve driver, allowing him to feature in two FP1 sessions so far this season.

He said on F1's official podcast: "People thought I would jump in and would be 2010 driver.

"Well, probably with [a] 2012 car, I couldn't do it. It was so similar to what I knew. The worst is, in Hungary, I couldn't use anything I know from my past. It's like a debut.

"You put [a] rookie driver in the car, with the history of one of the top drivers when he was racing. So, you pretend [he is] something mega, but he is a rookie. Because I was a rookie."

The 33-year-old went on to confirm his long-term goal is to return to F1 racing as soon as next season. But with time running out, he's still not sure where is available.

"With who, I don't know. It's becoming more natural. Motorsport, we often forget is a sport, you need to practice, you need to do it."

Has anyone got any predictions on where he will be next season? Let us know in the comments!