Robert Kubica enjoyed a problem-free day of testing as he got to grips with a Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Coupé Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters car around Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo on Thursday.
Pole Kubica, who is expected to contest the majority of the 2013 European Rally Championship, was recently invited to test one of Mercedes’ latest-generation DTM cars in Spain. The test marks the first time that Kubica has got behind the wheel of a top-level racing car since his serious rally crash in 2011.
The former BMW and Renault F1 driver covered a total of 114 laps in both dry and wet conditions at the circuit near Valencia.
“My first day of testing in a DTM car was great fun and I learned a lot about the series and the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé,” said 28 year-old Kubica. “The first installation lap was in the dry, then a few heavy showers of rain came down and we had to wait for the track to dry out. All in all, it was a good experience, getting to know the car in different weather conditions.
“I was able to get to grips with the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé and felt very comfortable in the car, even though after my long break it meant adjusting to the high downforce that a state-of-the art DTM race car produces. I’m very pleased with my performance on this first day of DTM testing and had no problems whatsoever in the car.”