'It would be a joke if Williams sign Kubica'

Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya has claimed it would be 'a joke' if Williams sign up ex-driver Robert Kubica to become a full-time team member, following speculation he is set to partner Lance Stroll next season after previously leaving the sport due to injury.

In February of 2011, Kubica took part in the Ronde di Andora rally simply out of personal enjoyment rather than professional reasons, but his race ended after an accident saw his forearm partially severed.

Having rehabilitated since then, Kubica is aiming for a return to F1 and is in line for a test run after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next week, but Montoya believes it would be a mistake for any constructor team to take him on.

"Honestly, it's a joke," said the ex-Williams driver.

"I'm sure Robert is no longer 100 per cent capable of pushing a Formula 1 car to the limit."

These comments were echoed by former F1 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, who has called into question the reasons for the return and also expressed concern about the safety of other drivers as well as Kubica himself.

"It's not just about the test where he has to get out of a stationary car with the Halo, which is already quite hard," said Villeneuve.

"What about a start where he has to abruptly dodge an object? I doubt you can do that with one hand. From my own experience, I know you cannot.

"I think the FIA needs to think carefully about how they can be 100 per cent sure that Robert is able to avoid accidents. Kubica himself should also think carefully about whether he wants to.

"This is not about lap times, he also has a responsibility to his colleagues. The same is true of Williams. If there is a serious accident, the responsibility will be great."

Kubica has admitted himself previously that a return to F1 would be unlikely, but he clearly has the backing of Williams, with their co-founder Patrick Head leaping to his defence after the criticism from Montoya and Villeneuve.

"Robert was one of the best drivers in F1 of recent years," Head claimed to Turun Sanomat.

"Only he knows how ready he is for the challenge. He was seriously injured, and Williams wants to find out what his situation is.

"If he is able to perform from a physical point of view, he is a very good choice."