Kubica makes incredible F1 comeback with Williams
Robert Kubica, whose Formula One career seemed over when he partially severed his right forearm in 2011, will make an astonishing race return with Williams.
The 33-year-old, winner of the Canadian Grand Prix with BMW Sauber in 2008, will partner British rookie George Russell at a once-dominant team that has fallen on hard times and is last in the standings.
"It is a story which probably nobody has believed and the only one who probably never gave up was myself," Kubica told reporters after being confirmed by deputy principal Claire Williams at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday.
"We all knew it might be something not achievable."
Kubica said his comeback showed nothing was impossible, ranked as one of the greatest achievements of his life and he was ready to go racing.
His last Formula One race was in 2010 with Renault.
Kubica was Williams' reserve and development driver this year after missing out on the race seat to Russian rookie Sergei Sirotkin, who has scored just one point from his 20 races to date and now faces an uncertain future.
"I was ready in January but this year gave me more time to learn," said Kubica. "In 2019 we are all starting from zero so I am not afraid that I have been away for eight years. I am looking forward. I know what it takes and what I have to do."
Kubica thanked those who had helped him through the dark times after his life-changing crash when a steel guardrail penetrated his car and arm in a minor rally in Italy.
He has undergone extensive surgery and his arm remains noticeably thin and twisted.
Published: by Radio NewsHub