Kubica's grand prix return confirmed

Robert Kubica will take part in a Formula 1 race weekend for the first time in more than six years, after Williams confirmed he will drive during the first practice session for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. Kubica's last grand prix involvement was the final race of the 2010 season in Abu Dhabi.

A few months after finishing fifth at the Yas Marina Circuit for Renault, Kubica suffered life-changing injuries in a rally crash which have since prevented him from returning to F1.

READ MORE: 12 things that happened since Kimi's last win
READ MORE: Ricciardo out of reach for Renault

Having tested for Renault and Williams last year, the latter signed him as a test and development driver - with Sergey Sirotkin handed the race seat alongside Lance Stroll.

Kubica has made no secret of his desire to return to F1 full-time with a race seat and he will have his first chance to set competitive times against the best on the grid in Barcelona.

"It's going to be a busy weekend for us," Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe said.

"We have Robert Kubica taking part in FP1 in place of Sergey; his first of three FP1 appearances this season.

"We have a busy Friday programme and it will be interesting to get Robert's feedback on the car.

"Sergey has driven many laps of this track in pre-season testing so he won't miss out too much.

"We also have two days of testing following the race with our official young driver Oliver Rowland, and Robert, and we have a huge programme to fit into those two days to make progress with the development of the car."