Another piece of the McLaren-Renault puzzle appears to be falling into place with Robert Kubica reportedly being released from his short-term deal with the Enstone-based team.

The Pole has taken part in several tests for Renault, including a first opportunity to drive a 2017 car, and made other appearances, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for example, donning the yellow and black team colours.

However, with Renault set to sign Carlos Sainz from Toro Rosso as compensation for allowing Red Bull’s junior team to switch to Honda power, Kubica has had his request accepted by Renault to free him from his contract with the team and pursue other options both in and out of Formula 1.

Kubica has been recently linked with Williams as they continue to delay making a decision on Felipe Massa’s future, while Mark Hughes in his latest Motor Sport Magazine column has mentioned Sauber as another potential option for Kubica to make a sensational return to the sport.

“We understand he has been released from the short-term contract he has been on with Renault since beginning his comeback programme in May,” wrote Hughes in his latest column.

“At his request, in order that he might follow up on interest elsewhere for his services (understood to be Williams and Sauber).

“His performance in the Hungaroring test in the current Renault, whilst good, still left question marks about his fitness level, evident in an inconsistency during the long runs. His ultimate speed, on the other hand, was considered highly impressive.

“If Kubica can answer those remaining questions after further training time (and only a test at the appropriate time could really do that), he would be the perfect fit for Williams’ requirements; an A-grade ace who will call it exactly how it is.”