Robert Kubica will return to a Formula 1 grid for the first time since 2010 next season, after being confirmed as a Williams driver on Thursday.
The news has been widely expected with speculation he was offered a seat two weeks ago in Brazil but it still marks a big moment in the career of the Pole, who will take the place of Sergey Sirotkin.
It’s a comeback that was deemed almost impossible when the 33-year-old suffered severe injuries in a rally crash prior to the 2011 season. Indeed, Kubica was left with a partially amputated right arm which it was thought would be the biggest hurdle to ever making a return.
It is the ultimate reward in an effort that began with tests at Renault in mid-2017 before focusing on Williams towards the end of the year, ultimately getting the position of reserve and development driver.
“Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during what was a difficult period of my life over these last few years,” Kubica began.
“It has been a challenging journey to make it back to the Formula 1 grid, but what seemed almost impossible is now beginning to feel possible, as I am excited to be able to say that I will be on the F1 grid in 2019.
“For sure, it has been a long road to get to this point, but as that challenge now comes to an end with this announcement, a new challenge begins working with Williams on track.
“It will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, both George and myself will work together to try and help the team get in better shape to move further up the grid. This year has been tough, but I have learnt a lot, and I’d like to thank Sir Frank and Claire for this opportunity.
“Being back on the F1 grid next season will be one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I’m sure with hard work and commitment we will be able to help motivate the team to achieve good things together.
“Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and believed in me. I will finally be back on the grid behind the wheel of an F1 car, and I cannot wait to get back racing.”
The decisive factor in the decision is money, however, with the 2008 Canadian GP winner gaining backing from Polish oil company PKN Orlem which for the Grove-based team is vital with the loss of title sponsor Martini and the sponsors brought by Lance Stroll.
Even so, for a driver that was considered in the same league if not better than Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton a decade ago, to get a final chance to prove himself in F1 is one of the best feel-good stories in quite some time.