BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - AUGUST 01: Robert Kubica of Poland and Renault Sport F1 looks on from the pit wall during day one of F1 in-season testing at Hungaroring on August 1, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

Team with a valuable seat to fill shoots down rumors that it's selected a driver


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The Williams Formula One team is searching for a replacement for the recently retired Felipe Massa, and there have been rumors circulating that the team is close to a deal with Robert Kubica.

However, Williams has denied the rumors that they've completed the deal with Kubica, and they're still searching for a driver to replace Massa.

According to Motorsport, Kubica tested Williams' 2014 F1 car twice last month so the team could see how he drove the car. The Williams team admitted there are ongoing conversations with Kubica, but they denied in a statement that they've made a decision.

"Although conversations are ongoing with Kubica, it is still yet to be finally decided who will replace Massa," the Williams team said in a statement.

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"We will make an announcement when we have something to announce but nothing is planned this weekend in Abu Dhabi."

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Kubica drove in Formula One from 2006 through 2010 before moving to the World Rally Championship. He has one Formula One win, which came in 2008 at the Canadian Grand Prix.

If Kubica does take over for Massa, he'll have big shoes to fill. Massa has 11 wins in his career, though his last win came in 2008.

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The team might not make a decision until after the season. It appears as if Kubica has the inside track in taking Massa's spot, but there are a few details that need to be worked out.

Williams is being patient with its decision, but the two sides appear to be close.