Robert Kubica says he was left with “mixed feelings” after his first Formula 1 test in over six years, admitting it showed the opportunity he lost.
The 2008 Canadian Grand Prix race winner returned to the cockpit of an F1 car on Tuesday in what was described by Renault as a "one-off test".
His last run in an F1 car was during pre-season testing for the 2011 season at the Valencia circuit, just days before the rally accident that cut short his single-seater career.
After returning to racing in rallying, Kubica competed in a handful of GT and sportscar races last year, and recently tested GP3, Formula E and LMP2 cars.
On Tuesday, Kubica was back at the Valencia circuit, this time driving the Lotus E20 from the 2012 F1 season – now a Renault show car, used by several of its junior drivers.
WATCH: Short clip of Kubica in action at Valencia
He managed 115 laps in total and said he was proud of what he achieved, thanking Renault for the opportunity, but admitted it was “not easy”.
“I would like to thank everybody for making this possible, I hope it was a good day for everyone and maybe they saw something of my old, 2010 self,” he said.
“For me, it has been an important day from an emotional point of view. It has been a long time away from the paddock and I have been through difficult periods, I kept working hard and a few years ago I felt it was impossible.
“I have mixed feelings, I am proud with what I achieved today, but also it shows what I have lost.
“I don’t know what the future will bring, but I know one thing, after working for more than one year to prepare for this, I ran with good pace and consistency in difficult conditions.
“It is not easy after six years, but I knew I could do the job and I can be satisfied. I appreciate the opportunity. Renault gave me my first F1 test in 2005, so I appreciate another test this time around.”
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