Rosberg 'working on F1 return for Kubica'

Retired former F1 champion Nico Rosberg is continuing to work hard to secure a drive for Robert Kubica with Williams next season, despite ongoing concerns regarding his physical condition after an injury to his hand in 2011, former Renault chief Flavio Briatore has claimed.

Kubica suffered a serious injuries to his right hand, right arm and leg in a rally crash that occured in between tests in 2011 and hasn't raced in F1 since.

However, speculation has continued that the Polish driver will be given a test opportunity at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend as the season comes to a close, while many believe that Kubica is being lined up to replace the departing Felipe Massa at Williams in 2018.

And Rosberg, who is employed by Kubica's management team is keen to get the driver into the conversation for a 2018 drive.

Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Briatore said: "I don't know.

"I talked with Rosberg last week, I saw Rosberg in Monaco, Rosberg is working to try to get him back driving."

There have been some vocal opponents, however, to a potential return for Kubica.

Juan Pablo Montoya, referring to Kubica's injury, called rumours that he could drive for Williams as 'a joke', while Villeneuve, who has been outspoken on a number of topics recently, was equally damning.

"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."