Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe expects Robert Kubica’s presence as reserve/development driver to bolster the squad’s resources through 2018.
Kubica competed in Formula 1 between 2006 and 2010 but sustained serious arm injuries in a rally accident in early 2011, restricting his movement, and ruling him out of competition.
Kubica rebuilt his career on the rallying scene before returning to circuit action, and began preparations for a return to Formula 1 in 2017.
The Pole tested for Renault before turning his attention to Williams, linking up with the team for two private tests, prior to a run in its FW40 at the Abu Dhabi tyre test.
Kubica was regarded as a genuine candidate to replace Felipe Massa but fellow tester Sergey Sirotkin impressed Williams, and has captured the race seat for 2018, alongside Lance Stroll.
Kubica, though, has taken up a role with Williams, which will result in test outings both pre- and in-season, along with a handful of practice runs at Grands Prix, having outlined he wants to return to a race seat.
Lowe believes Kubica’s assimilation within Williams will assist its prospects, with the team entering 2018 with the least experienced line-up in Stroll and Sirotkin.
“First and foremost, we’d like to congratulate Robert on what he has achieved so far,” said Lowe.
“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.”
Williams also outlined that Kubica ‘will also support the team’s media and sponsorship support programme’ through the course of the year.
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