Robert Kubica will make his competitive Formula 1 return this year, having signed a deal to race for Williams, but fully expects it to be a "great challenge" given not only his disability, but the long period of time he's spent away from the sport.
The Polish driver was involved in a rallying accident in 2011 and suffered severe arm injuries, ruling him out of racing in F1 for eight years. Kubica however, determined to return, has worked hard to remain fit and took part in a test for Renault in 2017 but wasn't deemed quick enough for a full-time drive.
Kubica then joined Williams as a reserve driver and as such took part in multiple practice sessions, prompting Williams to consider him for a seat, which he eventually secured having impressed the team, assuring them that his arm wouldn't be an issue.
The 34-year-old will be the second oldest driver on the grid and coupled with his injury, he's under no illusions that his comeback will be a difficult one.
"Formula 1 has changed a lot and I think this is going to be a great challenge," Kubica said during a sponsor event on Tuesday.
"It's not only about the results, it is also about my cooperation with the team. Everything is changing very dynamically and those eight years of break from the sport, from Formula 1, does not help [me]."
Kubica is hoping his experience and preparation will help him to overcome some of the hurdles he faces and insists he wouldn't have agreed to returning if he didn't feel like he could make a success of it.
"On the other hand I have plenty of experience. I used to be a top driver, so I feel calm and the simple fact that I have confidence in myself. Also I was able to give myself time, the necessary time, to develop myself, to rearrange things and never ever in my life would I be able to say yes if I wouldn’t have the feeling that I can do it.
"And yes I can do it now," he added. "These eight years have not been easy. I'm not going to get into the details of that moment. I simply say that everyone is happy. Me first, I’m happy that I’m coming back to this discipline."
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