'Williams to announce 2019 driver at Abu Dhabi GP'

Joas van Wingerden
Monday 19 November 2018 10:14

Robert Kubica will be confirmed as a Williams driver for 2019 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to reports in the Pole's homeland. Kubica has served as Williams' test and development driver this year, but his return to the grid would complete an incredible journey after his 2011 rally crash.

The 2010 Abu Dhabi GP remains Kubica's last Formula 1 race, with life-altering arm injuries suffered a few months later in Italy having kept him out of F1 until last year, when he tested with both Renault and Williams.

Although he was overlooked for a race seat in favour of Sergey Sirotkin, the Russian's underwhelming rookie campaign in F1 has prompted Williams to look elsewhere.

Kubica had also been linked with a simulator role with Ferrari – having seen a potential switch to the team in 2012 curtailed by his injuries.

However, the lure of lining up on the grid once again could prove stronger than his dream of wearing Scuderia scarlet.

Polish journalist Cezary Gutowski posted on Twitter that Kubica will be confirmed as George Russell's 2019 teammate at the Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday – it was reported last week that the 33-year-old had been offered a race deal by Williams after a search which had also seen the team linked with the likes of Esteban Ocon, Esteban Gutierrez and Nyck de Vries.

With Williams having lost out on significant financial support in Lance Stroll's likely switch to Force India and the loss of title sponsor Martini, it had been reported that Kubica has put together a sponsor package which could aid the beleaguered British squad.

Williams will finish the season bottom of the constructors' standings, having amassed seven points from 20 races – Sirotkin having scored just one, aided by Romain Grosjean's Italian GP disqualification.

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