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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.
Robert impressed
the team after conducting several tests for Williams in 2017 before taking
on the role of Reserve & Development Driver for the team for the 2018
season. During this time Robert has spent extensive time working both
trackside and at the factory, also having the opportunity to drive the FW41
during official testing and a number of FP1 practice sessions.
The 2017 tests marked Robert’s return to an F1 car after he sustained severe
injuries in a rallying accident in 2011, which temporarily put his career on
hold.
Prior to his accident, Robert achieved a total of 12 podiums and went on to
claim his maiden F1 pole position and victory in 2008, when he finished a
career-best fourth in the Drivers’ Championship. The Formula One race-winner
made his F1 debut in 2006 and recorded a podium finish inside his first
three races, marking him as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
Robert has
completed a rigorous rehabilitation programme to prepare for the upcoming
season, and looks forward to joining his teammate George Russell, who enters
his rookie year in Formula One, in 2019.
Speaking about the announcement, Robert 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 One grid in 2019.
“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. 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.”
Claire Williams,
Deputy Team Principal, commented; “I am delighted to announce that Robert
will be stepping up to the role of Race Driver to partner George in 2019.
All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved,
and it is a great credit to his strength of character and tenacity to return
to Formula One.
“During this season his commitment to the team and the work he has put in
behind the scenes has been unwavering, and he has become an established and
much respected member of the Williams team. He has a level of determination
that is remarkable to see; and he truly embodies the Williams fighting
spirit. Having the consistency of Robert stepping up into this new role will
be an important step for us as we look to fight our way back towards the
front of the field. I am also excited to have a mixture of youth and
experience to lead us into 2019 and we look forward to seeing what they can
achieve on track. I would also like to thank Lance and Sergey for their hard
work in what has been a challenging season. We wish them all the best for
their future careers.” |
