Kubica completes incredible comeback to F1

Robert Kubica has been confirmed as a Williams race driver for 2019, confirming one of sport's greatest comebacks of all time. Kubica will return to the grid next year, having recovered from life-altering injuries sustained in a rally crash in 2011 that threatened to curtail his career.

Kubica was among the most highly rated drivers in Formula 1 when he suffered horrific arm injuries in a crash in Italy.

The Pole has revealed in recent months that he had an offer on the table to race for Ferrari in 2012 at the time of his accident.

A return to the Scuderia as a simulator driver had been mooted this year, but Kubica will return to the grid with Williams, having served as the team's test and development driver this year.

Kubica said: "Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during what was a difficult period of my life over these last few years.

"It has been a challenging journey to make it back to the Formula One grid, but what seemed almost impossible is now beginning to feel possible, as I am excited to be able to say that I will be on the Formula 1 grid in 2019.

He's back! pic.twitter.com/cnDiAr9Wmj — WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) November 22, 2018

"For sure, it has been a long road to get to this point, but as that challenge now comes to an end with this announcement, a new challenge begins working with Williams on track."

Kubica will partner George Russel as Williams look to get back on track following a miserable 2018 which will end with Lance Stroll moving to Force India and Sergey Sirotkin being dropped in favour of Kubica.

The Pole added: "It will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, both George and myself will work together to try and help the team get in better shape to move further up the grid.

"This year has been tough, but I have learnt a lot, and I’d like to thank Sir Frank and Claire for this opportunity.

"Being back on the F1 grid next season will be one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I’m sure with hard work and commitment we will be able to help motivate the team to achieve good things together.

"Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and believed in me. I will finally be back on the grid behind the wheel of an F1 car, and I cannot wait to get back racing."