Williams' Robert Kubica has said the upcoming Australian Grand Prix will be an 'emotional' second debut for him having spent eight years away from Formula 1.
Kubica will drive in Melbourne as a full-time racing driver for the first time since 2010 when he drove for Renault in tricky sodden conditions, finishing second behind race-winner Jenson Button.
After a tough winter period for himself with the delays in getting the Williams FW42 to pre-season testing, the Pole has admitted he still doesn't feel 100 per cent prepared for the season ahead after limited track time for himself and rookie team-mate George Russell.
Despite the pre-season setbacks, Kubica has made it clear he is keen to get stuck in and take on the challenge ahead of him.
"It will be a very emotional Grand Prix," said Kubica. "It is the second debut for me after being away from the sport for many years. My last Formula One race was in Abu Dhabi 2010, so I am looking forward to going to Australia with a few things to cover and learn.
"I hope to enjoy the weekend and that everything will run smoothly without any big issues so I can concentrate on my driving and discover a new Formula 1.
"It is one thing to drive a Formula 1 car, and it is another thing to actually race it. Over the years, I think the approach to races has changed, so I have a lot of things to discover but I am looking forward to it."
Russell meanwhile is looking forward to his debut as an F1 driver and says he will enjoy the experience no matter the outcome of the weekend.
"I am extremely excited for Melbourne. It will be my first race in Formula 1 and it is a dream come true.
"It will be a very proud and extremely surreal moment for me standing on the starting grid with everybody preparing for the race, and I am really looking forward to the whole experience. I am going to make sure that I enjoy it, won’t take it for granted and make the most of it..
