Robert Kubica is to be confirmed as a Williams driver for 2019 at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a Polish journalist has claimed.
The former BMW and Renault driver, who has been the reserve at the British team this season, has become the favourite for the seat alongside George Russell in recent weeks, with rumours the Pole had been offered the drive back in Brazil.
Though they were denied, Kubica himself has acknowledged he has the choice between racing at Williams or a development role at Ferrari and now it appears the chance to achieve a highly anticipated comeback has been chosen.
Reporter Cezary Gutowski has posted on Twitter that an announcement will be made on Thursday at Yas Marina and if true, it will see the 33-year-old back on a Formula 1 grid for the first time since 2010 next March in Melbourne.
It will also mark a remarkable recovery from the injuries suffered in a rally crash in early 2011 which ended Kubica’s first stint in F1 and left him with a partially amputated right arm.
The main motivation behind his promotion is thought to be financial, with Robert gaining backing from his homeland and the Grove-based team in need of funds to make up for the loss of title sponsor Martini and Lance Stroll’s sponsorship to Force India.
It is that reason which means the exiled Esteban Ocon will miss out, albeit with a year as reserve driver at all three Mercedes-powered teams is expected for the Frenchman.