Kubica begins work at Renault factory

The Pole got a seat fitting in a mock-up of this year's R30 car, also meeting up with new team boss Eric Boullier.

"I had been to the factory before when I tested for the team a few years ago, but it was great to return and see how much has changed," said Kubica.

"The site is bigger now and there are more facilities such as the CFD centre, which is very impressive and will play a big role in the development of our car this year.

"When you walk around the factory there is a great atmosphere and everybody seems motivated and up for the fight - just like me!"

Kubica will return to the factory at the end of the month to complete the seat fitting.

"We've only done the first stage in a mock-up chassis as the first R30 isn't ready yet," he said. "So we checked the dimensions and took measurements to make sure I was comfortable in the car. There are some small changes to be made, but no major issues.

"Later this month I'll go back to Enstone to try out the proper chassis and to have my seat made so that we are ready for the first test in Valencia."

He added: "So far things are going really well and the factory has given me a warm welcome. It's still very early days and I need to get to know everybody in the team, but at the moment things are going well. I already have a good relationship with my engineers and we talk on the phone every week as I want to know as much about the new car as possible.

"The only difficulty I have is being patient enough to wait for the first test as it has been a long winter out of the car. Valencia cannot come soon enough!"