Kubica: Most difficult task will be staying in F1

Robert Kubica believes that staying in Formula 1 for the long term will be his most difficult task upon his return this year. Kubica will race with Williams following eight years out of F1 as a result of a life-threatening rally crash in early 2011.

Kubica joined the Grove outfit in 2018 as its development driver, but received the full-time promotion for the 2019 season in place of Sergey Sirotkin. While excited to return, the Pole has no doubts over the challenge that awaits him.

"The eight-year break certainly does not help me but I have experience and I am aware that I used to drive at a high level,” Kubica stated. “I set realistic goals for myself in the coming months and I am sure I will be able to reach them.

"If I didn’t feel prepared [enough], I wouldn’t work on my F1 comeback. [My goal is] not only to enter F1 [again], but to remain there. This is the most difficult task. There were many excellent drivers who left F1 after just one season.”

Williams will compete with a brand new line-up up this year, as Mercedes junior George Russell was appointed to a seat. The team struggled massively in 2018, ending the season bottom of the constructors' championship after dealing with an uncompetitive car.

"The situation of Williams is not easy,” Kubica accepted. “You need to approach it realistically. I hope that the team drew conclusions and this year’s car will be a lot better. It is important to have a good start with good car because it is very difficult to catch up during the season.

"I will do my best to give the best possible feedback. I hope that the team returns to where it belongs. I want to do my job in the best possible way. I want to show that after eight years away from the sport I can be fast. But you need a fast car, it makes the task easier.

"There are always some unpredictable races due to conditions etc… and in these cases you can show something more. But you need a car which is nice to drive. My goal is to do a good job and to stay in F1 for longer. And my dream is to be happy with my work.”