Robert Kubica could be set to receive a boost as he tries to secure the Williams seat alongside George Russell for 2019.
The Pole, who has been reserve and development driver for the Grove-based team this season, is considered a long-shot for the drive mostly due to a lack of financial backing.
Now though he is in talks with Polish oil company PKN Orlen which could see him offer a $10m incentive for Williams to sign him as their second race driver.
"At this stage it is too early to talk about a potential cooperation or any of the details," said the company in a statement that was quoted by F1i.com.
"At the same time we confirm that a meeting between the president of the PKN Orlen management board, Daniel Obajtek, and Robert Kubica, did take place."
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It's unknown if money alone would be enough to help Kubica given he was also slower than Sergey Sirotkin when the pair tested for Williams at the end of last year.
With a solid rookie year under his belt, the Russian has put his name firmly in the hat to be retained while countryman Artem Markelov and Esteban Ocon are two other names linked to the seat.
"I am calm. I can only thank my fans for supporting me," Kubica commented.
"Let's hope we'll see each other next year, but it's not like I will stop smiling. I don't know what will happen but I can say I'm working on it."
