Kubica ‘not scared’ about F1 return after eight years out
Robert Kubica insists he has no fears ahead of his return to grand prix racing with Williams in the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March will mark a remarkable comeback to F1 after his promising career was cut-short by a horrific rally accident in 2011 that left him with severe injuries to his right arm.
Kubica, whose last appearance on the F1 grid came at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, returns with the Williams squad he carried out a development role for during 2018.
Robert Kubica insists he has no fears ahead of his return to grand prix racing with Williams in the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March will mark a remarkable comeback to F1 after his promising career was cut-short by a horrific rally accident in 2011 that left him with severe injuries to his right arm.
Kubica, whose last appearance on the F1 grid came at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, returns with the Williams squad he carried out a development role for during 2018.
“We will all start from zero so I am not afraid that I have been away for eight years,” Kubica said.
“I am looking forward and I know what it takes and what I have to do. If I do my job well I am use everybody will be happy.
“You have to be realistic and it will not be easy,” he added. “It’s been a big challenge to get into F1.
"It will be an even bigger challenge from a sporting point of view to make sure I’m delivering what we’re expecting from my side.
“I’m not scared at all. I’m ready and excited and it gives me additional motivation and dedication to what I have been doing already.”
Kubica, who admitted he understands why people remain doubtful about his ability ahead of his F1 return, said he felt partially ready to contest a full season in 2018 but believes an extra year testing has ultimately proved more beneficial for him.
“The more experience you have, the more confidence you get and the more ready you are,” he explained.
“Partially, I was ready last January, but it gave me more time to learn.
“It’s true that driving an F1 car in testing is helpful, it’s not that you learn everything.
“It’s more about discovering not learning, discovering things, all drivers they have to do it, with the new cars, the new tyres with the new season.
“This is the perfect moment or me. That’s why I decided to go for it, I’m feeling ready.”