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Renault F1 boss Abiteboul says Kubica not on team's list for 2018

Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul has downplayed the prospects of Robert Kubica returning to the team in a race seat despite his successful recent test outing.

Kubica completed his first mileage in an F1 car since sustaining severe injuries in a rallying crash in 2011, driving a 2012 Lotus-Renault E20 at Valencia.

After the test Kubica stressed his desire to make a "proper comeback", while Renault's trackside operations director Alan Permane said the Pole's test showed he had the pace for an F1 return.

But despite speculation about Renault's second seat for 2018, Abiteboul said Kubica was not currently on the the squad's list of contenders.

"I know that the sport is full of speculation and rumours," he told Autosport.

"But I think in this present case we need to be a little bit careful, because we're talking about an individual that we all love, with a fantastic image, and who has suffered a very difficult situation from a personal perspective.

"So I think I would ask on this occasion everyone to be a little bit careful.

"Yes, we have done that test, but we don't want to create expectations in anyone's mind, including Robert himself.

"At some point we'll have to discuss our future line-up, that's public information.

"We have a long-term contract with Nico, and a contract for 2017, and all of 2017, with Jolyon.

"But at some point we will have to review options.

"If by then, Robert becomes an option, we can have a look.

"As we speak, he's not on the list.

"He has many more things he has to accomplish so that he could be on the list."

Zdroj: autosport.com