Kubica to test Toyota’s driver simulator - reports

Robert Kubica’s return to the formula one cockpit will begin at the wheel of a sophisticated driver simulator, according to reports.

The Swiss newspaper Blick, as well as Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, said the first test will probably take place at Toyota’s state-of-the-art Cologne facility.

Toyota will reportedly be selected because its simulator is much better than Enstone-based Renault’s.

Renault team boss Eric Boullier has already revealed that the next step after that for Kubica would be a run in a two-year-old single seater, in accordance with the F1 test ban.

Kubica is currently recovering in hospital from a successful fifth and final operation, to restore full mobility to his right elbow.

"We still do not know exactly but I think there will be clarity in a few weeks," said Renault team owner Genii’s Gerard Lopez, to the Tageblatt Luxembourg newspaper.

"At the moment, we are still expecting that in 2012, Robert will be racing with us," he added.