Robert Kubica returns to F1 after astonishing 8-year recovery from injury
Polish racing driver Robert Kubica is making a comeback to Formula One (F1), the sport he loved and left after a 2011 accident, the Williams Martini racing team said on Thursday.
After eight years of rehabilitation, Kubica's career is finally back on track as he will be joining English driver George Russell with Williams Martini in the team's line-up for 2019.
"Williams Martini Racing is delighted to announce Robert Kubica will complete the team's driver line-up for 2019, partnering George Russell in the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship," the team said in a statement.
"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 One grid in 2019," the 33-year-old Kubica added.
In February 6, 2011 at the Ronde di Andora rally in northern Italy, Kubica injured his right side and especially his right arm which precipitated the Polish driver's eight-year-long rehabilitation.
"Being back on the F1 grid next season will be one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I am sure with hard work and commitment we will be able to help motivate the team to achieve good things together," Kubica said.
Kubica impressed in testing for Williams last year and was a reserve and development driver this year.
Kubica earned 12 podium finishes in F1 from 2006-10 - claiming his first pole position and victory in 2008 — and was considered among the series' brightest talents.
Kubica won the Canadian GP driving for BMW Sauber after placing second at the Monaco GP. Those performances moved him reportedly close to joining Ferrari and a better title shot.
