Robert Kubica says he is set to take part in three practice sessions this year in his new role as Williams’ reserve and development driver.
Kubica raced in Formula 1 between 2006 and 2010 for BMW and Renault, but his career was curtailed when he sustained severe arm injuries in a rally crash.
Kubica stayed away from the Formula 1 environment as he returned to competitive action in the rallying scene, before dabbling with circuit racing through 2016.
Having aborted a planned 2017 WEC programme, Kubica began full preparations for a Formula 1 return, and completed runs with Renault, before switching focus to Williams.
Kubica sampled Williams’ 2014-spec car during private outings, emerging as a front-runner to replace Felipe Massa, and tested the FW40 in Abu Dhabi last November.
However, Williams ultimately favoured rookie Sergey Sirotkin for the vacancy alongside Lance Stroll, and the Pole will instead take up a reserve position.
At Williams’ launch event on Thursday evening, Kubica confirmed that he will pilot the FW41 during free practice in Spain, Austria and one more yet-to-be-determined event [although Abu Dhabi is likely].
“I’m back in Formula 1 in a different role to when I was racing in 2011, but I’m back permanently in the F1 paddock, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“It will be interesting to go back to some of the places I have been before, some of them providing different emotions from different moments in my life.
“Sometimes it can be quite difficult watching others racing, but I have a different role this year.
“It's sure to be a tough season with a lot of races and things to do. I have to be on top of the work I have to do for the team.”
Should Kubica take to the circuit during Friday practice in Spain, it would mark his first official appearance at a Formula 1 Grand Prix since Abu Dhabi in 2010.
Kubica is also set for an outing during pre-season testing, as per the initial announcement regarding his 2018 position.
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