Kubica 'in better shape than back in the day'

Robert Kubica says he is "in better shape" than his previous run in Formula 1 as he looks to secure a return to the grid. Kubica was hired as William's test and reserve driver for the 2018 season, having been overlooked for a race seat in favour of Sergey Sirotkin.

Kubica made is return to F1 after recovering from life-altering injuries sustained in a rally crash and says he remains determined to go racing in the series once again.

The Pole entered 76 grands prix between 2006 and 2010, winning in Canada in 2008.

Kubica tested for both Renault and Williams last year and is reportedly willing to drive for a modest fee, although Sirotkin's vast sponsorship package was seen as key to his hire at Williams.

Veteran Kubica offered a glimpse of impressive performance levels in pre-season testing in Barcelona - an outing that Kubica says meant a huge amount to him.

"The work which has paid off, that started at the end of 2015 and here I find myself in better shape than I was back in the day," Kubica said.

"I can continue to fulfil my passion and take another important step towards racing in F1.

"I must work harder than before because everyone knows that I have limits but it turned out during the trials in Valencia [with Renault last June] that these limits aren't significant enough to stop me from driving in F1 at the highest level.

"That incredible feeling that I had after the first laps of the track, I will remember them for the rest of my days. It's probably the best moment of my life."

Sirotkin retired five laps into his debut in somewhat farcical circumstances after a plastic bag caused his brakes to overheat.

Lance Stroll struggled to finish 14th - the last car on the lead lap - and later said that Williams are "surviving" rather than "racing" in the early part of the season.