Robert Kubica has brushed off any concerns some may have about his full-time Formula 1 return with Williams in 2019.
The Pole was chosen to replace Sergey Sirotkin for next season after the Russian’s sponsors pulled out their support following a difficult year and Kubica found new backing from his native Poland.
His comeback is a great feel-good story for the sport following his recovery from severe arm injuries which ended his promising first stint on the grid before the 2011 season but the legacy of the rally crash which caused them does still linger.
“As you can hear, and I heard it for many years, people struggled to believe that I could do it,” he was quoted by Motorsport Week, referencing the continued limitations he has with his right arm.
“All team managers, all team principals, if I [was] a team principal I would also have doubts.
“But that’s the reason why I said this year has been very useful because my first – the first meeting [with Claire Williams] I remember when we met I said that if you have any doubts we shouldn’t be doing it.”
With that vote of confidence from the British team, as Kubica was signed to a reserve and development driver, it was then about ensuring he justified the decision Williams took.
“First of all, I have to be sure I can do it, and that’s why I’m here, but second of all, all the team has to be convinced that I’m able to do the job,” he continued.
“I think, we talked a lot about driving but I think I can give a lot to the team away from the car, and in the position I think the team is, we will gain much more also on work away of the car than only by driving.”
With such a prolonged absence from Formula 1, however, the question is can Kubica, who was previously considered in the same breath as Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, still cut it with today’s generation?
“Of course from one side I have quite a lot of experience from racing, especially in F1, as I did five seasons,” the 34-year-old stated.
“For sure I know what it takes to be a top F1 driver so I am not scared of it and I know it requires a lot of work and dedication and I am ready for it.
“From a technical point of view, driving point of view, we have winter testing, so by the time we get to Australia that is enough time to be ready and in 2019 we will all start from zero so I am not afraid that I have been away for eight years.
“I am looking forward and I know what it takes and what I have to do. If I do my job well I am sure everybody will be happy.”
Also Read:
- Russell wants to work with Kubica to push Williams forward in 2019
- Williams: ‘No one in the team’ has doubts over Kubica
Kubica jumps into a Williams team, however, that is arguably at their lowest point for many years after a tough 2018 which left them bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with just seven points to their name.
However, deputy boss Claire Wiliams does think the one-time Grand Prix winner can help be a catalyst for progress.
“Next year – is a new start for Williams and I spent a lot of time with Robert over the course of the year,” she said.
“I really enjoy his company, just his fighting spirit. We need that in this team at the moment.
“We need everybody pushing, and I think Robert is going to be a great addition for us for 2019 and beyond.”
