Raikkonen: I am happy for Kubica

Kimi Raikkonen has claimed that he is happy for Robert Kubica as the Polish driver makes big strides towards making a full-time return to Formula One after previously being involved in a rally car accident which cost him a part of his arm and nearly his career.

This week at the Yas Marina circuit following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Kubica has been involved in tyre testing races with Williams, with the constructor team taking a close look at him with the potential of partnering him with Lance Stroll for the 2018 campaign.

In 2011, Kubica was involved in a serious accident during the Ronde di Andora rally and suffered major injuries to his forearm. Six years and around 18 operations later, he is ready to return, and Raikkonen has insisted it would be 'great' if his colleague competed in the sport again.

"Why should I be worried?" said the Ferrari driver.

"I'm sure Robert would not be driving if he was not sure of his abilities.

"I am happy for him. It's great if he finds a place at a team again."

Kubica's potential return has not been met with universal positivity, however. Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve have been two of the biggest critics of the return idea, with both claiming Kubica is not fit to perform in F1 anymore.

"Honestly, it's a joke," said Montoya.

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

Villeneuve echoed these comments, saying:

"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.

"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."