Robert Kubica tests DTM Mercedes

Robert Kubica, the former F1 driver who is recuperating from a partially severed arm, today tested a Mercedes from the German Touring Car series DTM, in Valencia.

The 28 year old Pole, who was badly hurt in a rally accident almost two years ago, covered 114 laps, or 456.570 kilometres today.

Kubica has said that it is too early to talk about a return to F1 competition, but he has taken part in some rallies and is gradually stepping up the intensity and level of his driving activities.

Today he experienced downforce again - although nothing like the levels and loadings in F1 - and it will have given him a better idea of where he stands.

One of the fastest and most intelligent drivers to pass through F1 in recent years, if he begins to show signs that he can match his former levels of performance it will put many people on alert, but controlling an F1 car is a long way off a DTM car,

"My first day of testing in a DTM car was great fun and I learned a lot about the series and the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, " said Kubica.

"It was a good experience, getting to know the car in different weather conditions. I was able to get to grips with the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé and felt very comfortable in the car, even though after my long break it meant adjusting to the high downforce that a state-of-the art DTM race car produces.

"I'm very pleased with my performance on this first day of DTM testing and had no problems whatsoever in the car."