Kubica 'very happy' to be back in Formula 1

Robert Kubica has claimed that he is 'very happy' to be back in Formula One even if it is in a reserve driver role, and insists that he is a much more experienced and level-headed driver than when he made his debut 12 years ago.

Seven years ago, Kubica suffered a career-threatening injury during a rally car accident that cost him part of his forearm, but has been working on a miraculous comeback for the past couple of years and tested for Williams during the summer for a potential 2018 seat in F1.

He was eventually selected in just a reserve driver role, but he admits he is happy with his situation for the moment.

“A lot of things have changed since when I was young like this,” Kubica told the media whilst standing next to Sergey Sirotkin and Lance Stroll.

“Twelve years ago I was the first time on the drivers’ presentation in Valencia. I was 21. Experience is good. I have a lot more knowledge than when I was 21.

“I thought when I was young that I knew everything, but life teaches you a lot. I‘m very happy to be here.

“Of course I would prefer to be here as a race driver but if you look at it from a different perspective, and you see where I was 12 months ago, nobody thought I would be in a position to drive an F1 car.

Kubica has went through over a dozen reconstructive surgeries since the accident, and stood with his young colleagues with his arm noticeably thinner than before and spoke of the long journey to recovery.

”It has been a long journey, seven years away from the F1 paddock, so the feeling will be a bit different.

“There will be a lot of emotions going to grands prix ... visiting the places that gave me a lot in my life will be a special moment.”