Kubica becomes Williams reserve and development driver

The return to Formula 1 de Robert Kubica will stop in 2018 on a role of reserve and development pilot. This was the team's decision Williams F1 this Tuesday, which one preferred to choose Sergey Sirotkin as Lance Stroll's teammate on the grand prix.

The Pole's schedule will, however, be busy. He will have the task of carrying out part of the winter tests on the Barcelona circuit (Spain) from February 26. These sessions will be crucial for the rest of the year because they will serve as the first indications of the potential of the FW41. Several participations in free practice on Friday, before the races are also planned. In the event of a hard blow for one of the two holders (injury, illness, exclusion resulting in a forfeit), the former BMW Sauber driver and Renault will be called to replace Lance stroll or Sergey Sirotkin.

WATCH: WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING Reserve and Development Driver Announcement #WeAreRacing pic.twitter.com/vOg00qNsAI

- WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) 16th January 2018

“I am extremely happy to join Williams. My physical condition is the best it can be, but it took a lot of effort to get back to my current level”, explains the 33-year-old pilot, victim of a terrible rally accident in February 2011. “I have to thank Williams for the opportunities given to me and the confidence placed in me. I have enjoyed returning to the F1 paddock over the past few months and look forward to working with the technical staff, both at the factory and on the track, to help develop the future car. After driving the FW36 and FW40 (2014 and 2016 models), I am excited to see how the FW41 performs. My ultimate goal remains to race in F1 again and this post is an important step in that direction. I can't wait to get started. »

Paddy Lowe, the technical manager of the English team, knows the Pole's experience in the discipline. “We know Robert will be incredibly helpful from a technical standpoint. He will use all his knowledge during testing, simulator work and to help drivers and engineers in each event. He is a driver that I have admired for many years. We would like to congratulate him for everything he has achieved so far. Overcome your wounds (two fractures of the right arm and the crushed right hand), getting back into peak physical shape as well as driving a Formula 1 car again is a remarkable achievement, one that few people thought possible. »