Kubica’s back after horror smash nearly killed him

ROBERT KUBICA says he is the only person who never gave up hope of making a return to Formula One.

Nearly eight years after the crash that almost killed him, the 33-year-old Pole was confirmed as a Williams driver for next season.

The news was released in Abu Dhabi, scene of his last grand prix in 2010.

His five-season F1 career, which yielded one victory and 12 podiums, was brought to a halt by a rally accident in Italy.

Kubica was competing in the event on the eve of the 2011 F1 season, but lost control and crashed into a barrier. The force of the impact cut through the middle of his car and left him with horrific injuries, including a partially severed right hand. “It is a story that probably nobody would believe,” said Kubica of his amazing comeback.

“The only one who never gave up was me. “We all knew that my return may not be achievable, but this shows that somehow nothing is impossible. “I still have a lot of experience in racing, competing in the sport for five years, and I know what it takes to from PHILIP DUNCAN in Abu Dhabi

be a top F1 driver. I am not scared of it. It requires a lot of work, dedication and I am ready.”

Kubica’s journey back to F1 began when he returned to rallying before he took part in a series of tests for his former team Renault last year.

He then drove for Williams at last year’s post-season test, but the British team opted to take Russian rookie Sergey Sirotkin ahead of him.

Kubica signed as the team’s reserve driver and he now replaces Sirotkin.

He will bring much-needed experience to a team bottom of the constructors’ championship after one of their worst seasons.

Kubica will be the second-oldest driver on the grid behind 39-year-old Kimi Raikkonen and will partner British rookie George Russell.

He is also reported to be bringing in around £9m to the Oxfordshire team, via Polish oil refiner PKN Orlon.

“Next year is a new start for us,” said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

“We need his fighting spirit in this team. I think Robert is going to be a great addition in 2019 and beyond.”

Five-time champion Lewis Hamilton is certainly relishing the prospect of having Kubica back on the grid.

“He was always one of the most talented drivers I have had the pleasure of racing,” said the Mercedes star.