Kubica to test with Williams in Abu Dhabi
Russian Sirotkin and regular Stroll to also put car through paces
Polish driver Robert Kubica will test for Williams again in Abu Dhabi next week as he presses for a Formula One comeback with the former world champions.
The British-based team said the 32-year-old would join Russian Sergey Sirotkin and race regular Lance Stroll at a two-day postseason tyre test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The test is aimed at evaluating 2018 tyres for Pirelli but also gives Williams another chance to assess Kubica before making a final decision on a replacement for retiring Brazilian Felipe Massa.
“Williams is excited to have this opportunity to assess the new tyres across such an interesting range of drivers,” the team said in a statement.
“Lance, as confirmed race driver for 2018, Robert with his huge experience, and Sergey as a very promising young talent in Formula One.”
Sirotkin, 22, is currently a development driver for the Renault team and has been backed by Russian billionaire Boris Rotenberg. Kubica will drive the FW40 in the morning of the first day before handing over to Stroll. Sirotkin will be in the car on the second day with Kubica wrapping up the session in the late afternoon.
No deal yet
The Pole is seen as the favourite to take Massa’s place but Williams denied on Tuesday that any deal was done.
Responding to media reports that a deal had been done, Williams said no driver announcement was imminent.
“Although conversations are ongoing with Kubica, it is still yet to be finally decided who will replace Massa,” they said in a statement.
“We will make an announcement when we have something to announce.”
Brazilian Massa will big farewell to the sport after the Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Canadian teenager Stroll is certain to stay with the former world champions but a handful of drivers are in the frame to replace Massa.
Kubica partially severed his right forearm in an horrific 2011 crash during a rally he entered for fun before the start of that year’s Formula One season.