Kubica confident he can make full F1 return

BARCELONA, Spain (AP):

Robert Kubica was second-to-last, 19th out of 20. And smiling. He drove in the first practice for the Spanish Grand Prix yesterday, his first official Formula One session since he almost lost his right hand in a rally crash in 2011.

The reserve and development driver for Williams showed, at least to himself, he has what it takes to make a full return to the series.

Now he just wants another chance.

"I know my value. I don't have to look at lap times," Kubica said. "I know that if I would have a chance to drive the car every week like permanent race drivers, there is even more room to improve. I have seen it now that, in the end, whatever is missing is only because I'm doing it every two months, if something is missing."

Williams struggled with its car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Kubica was 19th and teammate Lance Stroll 20th and last. Sergei Sirotkin returned to the car in the afternoon session, but also couldn't match Kubica's time.

"In the end it's difficult to say that it was enjoyable because our car balance was very bad and it was very difficult to drive," Kubica said. "But I'm satisfied with the session and with how I reacted to difficult conditions. It sounds strange that you can be happy with P19, but actually I'm happy."

The 33-year-old Kubica said driving was not as emotional as he expected, which "means that it's becoming more natural" after a long time out of the series. His 76th and last grand prix was the 2010 season finale.