Kubica confirmed as Williams reserve driver as Sirotkin takes 2018 seat; Pole will take part in testing and a number of practice sessions
Thursday 14 February 2019 15:51, UK
Robert Kubica insists his "ultimate goal" remains a full Formula 1 return despite losing out to Sergey Sirotkin in the battle for the 2018 Williams seat.
After months of deliberation, Williams have confirmed F1 rookie Sirotkin as Lance Stroll's partner for the upcoming season, instead hiring Kubica as their new reserve and development driver.
It is Kubica's first full-time role in F1 since his devastating rallying accident in 2011 and he has key and extensive duties to take on, with the Grove team saying the Pole will participate in pre-season and in-season testing as well as a number of race weekend practice sessions.
But Kubica, who has 12 F1 podiums and won the 2008 Canadian GP, still has his eyes set on returning to the grid.
"I'm extremely happy to be joining the Williams team as its official reserve and development driver this season," Kubica said.
"I feel in the best physical shape that I have ever been, but it has taken a lot of work to get to where I am now so I'd like to thank Williams for the opportunities they have given me so far, and for putting their faith in me with this appointment.
"I have enjoyed being back in the Formula 1 paddock over these past few months, and I now look forward to working with the Williams technical team, both at the factory and at the track, to really help push forward the development of the FW41 and to make a real difference to their 2018 campaign.
"My ultimate goal remains to race again in Formula 1 and this is another important step in that direction: I cannot wait to get started."
After slowly reintegrating himself into motorsport following his career-threatening injuries sustained in a rallying crash seven years ago, Kubica started his F1 comeback trail with two test drives at Renault halfway through 2017.
While he missed out on the Renault seat, Kubica was handed a lifeline by Williams as they looked to replace Felipe Massa, with the 33-year-old first driving the 2014 car before earning an official test outing in Abu Dhabi.
Kubica posted Williams' fastest time of the two-day end-of-season event, but it was Sirotkin who sufficiently impressed Williams at Yas Marina.
But deputy team principal Claire Williams still stressed: "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 commitment to return to Formula 1."
"First and foremost, we'd like to congratulate Robert on what he has achieved so far," chief technical officer Paddy Lowe added. "To overcome his injuries, return to fitness, and drive a Formula 1 car again is a remarkable achievement, and one that few considered possible.
"We anticipate Robert will make a strong technical contribution to the team, using his wealth of experience in track testing, simulator work, and support to the race drivers and engineers at every race.
"He is a driver I have admired for many years and I am personally very happy to be working with him towards our 2018 Championship."
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