Former Renault and BMW driver Robert Kubica says he feels physically ready to drive a Formula One car again and is keen to take part in a test.
Kubica last drove an F1 car during winter testing in 2011, topping the timesheets for Lotus Renault just a few days before suffering horrific injuries in a rallying accident in Italy. Although Kubica made a remarkable recovery from the accident, a severe injury to his right forearm reduced its mobility and prevented a return to F1.
Since then, he has contested in the World Rally Championship, took part in four GT events last year and is set to make his return to full-time circuit racing in the World Endurance Championship with the ByKolles LMP1 squad in 2017.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Kubica said he had turned down a previous offer to test an F1 car as he was not yet ready at that time.
"At that moment I didn't have the confidence to do well," the 32-year-old said. "I know that often some chances only come one time, but I always wanted to be sure about my condition and what I can do. And if I was not sure, I always said to myself, 'forget it'.
"My physical condition is not a common one, and few people have experienced similar circumstances. Everyone reacts in a different way -- and that can be a very personal thing."
Asked if he would now accept an offer to test F1 machinery if the opportunity arose, Kubica replied: "Yes. Today I would answer differently -- I would like to try a Formula One car.
"It has been a while [since I drove one], so I would have to prove myself, but I think I could do it well. I would like to relive the thrill of the Formula One experience."
On hearing about Kubica's quotes, reigning world champion Nico Rosberg tweeted his support.
What you think? I hope a top team gives Robert the opportunity. It would be great to watch! Sure he would be fast immediately as always! pic.twitter.com/cKnBtwZogK
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) February 7, 2017
The 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner and 12-time podium finisher has tried a number of F1 simulators including Mercedes' since his 2011 crash at the Ronde di Andora rally. He conceded even a test session falls short of the demands required when taking part in a grand prix weekend.
"I have tried many simulators, and I am convinced that I would drive at 80% of the F1 tracks -- but not all of them. I also have to point out that testing a Formula One car is one thing, a race weekend is something totally different.
"In my last three seasons of F1, I managed to achieve a remarkable performance level, a level I think I lack a little bit of now. In 2010 with Renault, I think I did nothing wrong and to get to that level of performance you have to work hard for so many years."