Paul Jeffrey
Premium
The speculation was proven correct this morning in Abu Dhabi - Williams Racing confirming Robert Kubica will line up alongside George Russell for the former champions next season.
Having spent time as both a Renault and Williams reserve driver since returning to the Grand Prix paddock following his horrific accident on the Ronde di Andora rally back in 2011, the winner of the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix has made no secret of his desire to return to full time race driver duties in Formula One, turning down several opportunities outside of the top flight as he continued to pursue what is a remarkable recovery over the last few years.
Suffering a blow in 2017 as Renault turned down the Polish start in favour of Toro Rosso junior Carlos Sainz, the then 32-year-old moved ship to Williams as he looked to continue his journey to the starting grid in Formula One. Having supposedly found himself in the frame for a drive with the Grove team for this season, eventually missing out to another former Renault tester in the shape of Sergey Sirotkin, Kubica would secure himself in a reserve and development role with Williams – spending considerable time working on the team’s simulator and importantly impressing onlookers with his rare FP1 performances in the reluctant 2018 car, outpacing the regular team drivers on each of his sessions out on track. It is thought that these performances, alongside the considerable determination it has taken to return to active racing have been the key to securing the Williams drive, with the team looking for a driver with experience to support young rookie George Russell, whilst still bringing much needed funding to the struggling outfit.
For his part, Kubica appears to be under no illusion as to the challenge ahead, one he is relishing undertaking following what will be an enforced eight year lay off from Formula One racing:
“Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during what was a difficult period of my life over these last few years,” said Kubica. “It has been a challenging journey to make it back to the Formula 1 grid, but what seemed almost impossible is now beginning to feel possible, as I am excited to be able to say that I will be on the Formula 1 grid in 2019.
“For sure, it has been a long road to get to this point, but as that challenge now comes to an end with this announcement, a new challenge begins working with Williams on track. It will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, both George and myself will work together to try and help the team get in better shape to move further up the grid. This year has been tough, but I have learnt a lot, and I’d like to thank Sir Frank [Williams] and Claire [Williams] for this opportunity.
“Being back on the F1 grid next season will be one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I’m sure with hard work and commitment we will be able to help motivate the team to achieve good things together. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and believed in me. I will finally be back on the grid behind the wheel of an F1 car, and I cannot wait to get back racing.”
Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams added: “I am delighted to announce that Robert will be stepping up to the role of Race Driver to partner George in 2019. All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved, and it is a great credit to his strength of character and tenacity to return to Formula One.
“During this season his commitment to the team and the work he has put in behind the scenes has been unwavering, and he has become an established and much respected member of the Williams team. He has a level of determination that is remarkable to see; and he truly embodies the Williams fighting spirit.
“Having the consistency of Robert stepping up into this new role will be an important step for us as we look to fight our way back towards the front of the field. I am also excited to have a mixture of youth and experience to lead us into 2019 and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve on track.
“I would also like to thank Lance [Stroll] and Sergey for their hard work in what has been a challenging season. We wish them all the best for their future careers.”
“For sure, it has been a long road to get to this point, but as that challenge now comes to an end with this announcement, a new challenge begins working with Williams on track. It will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, both George and myself will work together to try and help the team get in better shape to move further up the grid. This year has been tough, but I have learnt a lot, and I’d like to thank Sir Frank [Williams] and Claire [Williams] for this opportunity.
“Being back on the F1 grid next season will be one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I’m sure with hard work and commitment we will be able to help motivate the team to achieve good things together. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and believed in me. I will finally be back on the grid behind the wheel of an F1 car, and I cannot wait to get back racing.”
Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams added: “I am delighted to announce that Robert will be stepping up to the role of Race Driver to partner George in 2019. All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved, and it is a great credit to his strength of character and tenacity to return to Formula One.
“During this season his commitment to the team and the work he has put in behind the scenes has been unwavering, and he has become an established and much respected member of the Williams team. He has a level of determination that is remarkable to see; and he truly embodies the Williams fighting spirit.
“Having the consistency of Robert stepping up into this new role will be an important step for us as we look to fight our way back towards the front of the field. I am also excited to have a mixture of youth and experience to lead us into 2019 and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve on track.
“I would also like to thank Lance [Stroll] and Sergey for their hard work in what has been a challenging season. We wish them all the best for their future careers.”
Kubica will again get a chance behind the wheel this weekend, taking over one of the race drivers cars for Free Practice One in Abu Dhabi, before sharing driving duties with his 2019 team mate George Russell at the post race Pirelli tyre test at the same venue.
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