Robert Kubica is refusing to set himself targets ahead of his long-awaited return to regular competitive rallying later this month.

Former Formula One star Kubica is to compete in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship in a Citroen DS3 RRC (Regional Rally Car).

The 28-year-old Pole will use the Rally Canary Islands, that forms part of the Euro Rally Championship, as a warm-up event on March 21-23 before taking on the WRC2 that starts in Portugal on April 11-14.

Due to Kubica’s injuries to his right hand sustained in a rallying accident over two years ago that ended his F1 career, the car has been specially modified and approved by the FIA.

Kubica and Citroen have been given special dispensation to use a paddle-shift gearbox on the left side of the steering wheel, with its change of speed to match that of a conventional gearbox.

Ahead of the WRC2 champion-ship, which also includes a visit to his home country in September, Kubica said: “I weighed up the different options before deciding this programme.

“I kept in touch with Citroen and both sides were keen to continue working together.

“I’m really pleased now to be able to return to top-level racing. I can’t wait to start, but I haven’t set myself any specific target.”