EIGHT YEARS AFTER THIS ... KUBICA IS BACK IN F1
ROBERT KUBICA will return to a Formula One race seat eight years after his right arm was nearly severed in an horrendous rally accident. News that he will drive for Williams next season was confirmed in the paddock ahead of Sunday’s season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and it was met with delight and concern. Delight that one of the star karters of his generation — rated by Lewis Hamilton as his greatest boyhood rival — has completed a recovery that has taken every drop of his fortitude since a barrier cut through the middle of his Skoda while he was competing in an extra-curricular rally, the Ronde di Andorra, in Italy in 2011. But there is concern that the scars the well-liked Pole wore on his right arm during the unveiling will never allow him to perform to the rarefied standard that won him 12 podiums with BMW. Deputy team principal Claire Williams insisted Kubica’s new role was awarded on merit. But many think the promotion, from development and reserve driver, is due to backing. It is said he brings some £9million. Kubica had certainly not lit up the timing screens in numerous tests over the last couple of seasons. But he will partner British rookie George Russell next season. ‘I understand it is a story that probably nobody would believe,’ said Kubica (below). ‘We all knew it might be unachievable. But this shows nothing is impossible.’ Kubica has changed his driving style, using his left hand more. ‘My medical results for speed and force of the left arm was at least 35 per cent better than the best they had seen before.’ Hamilton welcomed his return. The world champion was sitting next to Fernando Alonso, whose last race this is. His departure would make Hamilton the second oldest man on the grid behind Kimi Raikkonen, 39, but for Kubica being one month older — his 34th birthday is next month. ‘I’m pleased he is older,’ laughed Hamilton. ‘And I’m glad he has this chance.’