Kubica to start from pit lane in Azerbaijan

Williams has confirmed that Robert Kubica will start Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the pit lane following his qualifying crash.

Kubica crashed out in the closing stages of Q1 at the Baku City Circuit, leaving his car with damage and in need of two new front corners, brakes and a steering column.

After evaluating the damage, the team confirmed on Sunday morning that it had decided on a pit lane start, allowing it to break parc ferme rules.

"Williams has opted to start from the pit lane with Robert following yesterday's incident in order to make further setup changes ahead of the race," a Williams spokeswoman confirmed.

Kubica will join Pierre Gasly in the pit lane after the Red Bull driver was penalised for missing the FIA weighbridge in practice on Friday.