'Mixed feelings' for Kubica after testing return

Robert Kubica says he had "mixed feelings" with his return to F1 testing at the Hungaroring but was encouraged by the progress he made throughout the day.

Following two tests in a 2012 car earlier this summer, Kubica made his return to a current F1 car for the first time since the start of 2011, having suffered life-threatening injuries in a rally accident over six years ago. Driving for Renault, the Pole completed 142 laps and was fourth quickest on Wednesday in Budapest but started his day by hitting the garage wall as he pulled out for his installation lap.

"It is mixed feelings as always," Kubica said. "The start of the day was not so easy, it was probably one of the biggest f**k-ups in F1. To be honest, I was so concentrated on people in front of my garage, I forgot the cars are longer and wider. That was the only mistake I did, so that's positive.

"I think it has been a very productive day, especially for me, but also for the team. We have done plenty of items to test. We missed only one run in the end due to the red flags, otherwise we were perfectly on time with the program and what there was to be done today. All good. Hot. Busy behind the wheel. The cars are fast.

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"The biggest...not difficulty [but] the difference is this car has nothing similar or the same as the cars I have been testing lately. When you have so many things different, it normally takes a bit of time to adapt, but I think we have to be happy. Of course you always want more but we have to be realistic. It was not an easy day but I think we have done a good job."

With temperatures climbing into the high 90s, Kubica admitted it had been challenging physically but felt his performance showed he can drive an F1 car on any circuit.

"Hungary, we know it's a difficult track – it's one of the most physical tracks. Coming here, actually, Nico Hulkenberg said the same: that once I will be able to drive here, probably I'll be able to drive everywhere. It has been hard work but I think most of the drivers had a hard time today behind the wheel.

"You can predict it wasn't easy, which I'm not hiding, but it was good. In the end, we have done over 140 laps. I could drive I think tomorrow easily, so fitness level is good, which is a good sign. There are sides which need to be improved or need to get better but it's always like this. If someone would tell me three months ago that I would be here and cover 140 laps, I would have signed straight away but once you are here, you want to do better and more. But I have to say we have to be happy – and I'm happy."

Despite his optimism at the end of the day, when asked about what his next plans are, the 32-year-old replied: "The only plan I have is to take the flight back home tomorrow morning!

"I don't know, we'll see. For sure, I would like to have other opportunities but the reality is that I don't know and we'll have to wait and see."