Remarkable recovery sees Kubica return

FORMULA ONE: Polish driver back after rally accident

Robert Kubica has revealed he was the only person who did not give up hope of completing his remarkable return to Formula One, eight years after a rally crash which nearly killed him.

The 33-year-old Pole was yesterday confirmed as a Williams driver for next season in Abu Dhabi – the scene of his last grand prix back in 2010 – to finalise a sporting comeback of epic magnitude.

His five-season F1 career, which yielded one win and 12 podiums to rank him among the finest drivers on the grid, was brought to a terrifying halt following a rally accident in northern Italy.

Kubica was competing in an extracurricular event on the eve of the 2011 F1 season, but crashed into a barrier, the force of the devastating impact cutting through the middle of his car.

He was airlifted to hospital and assisted with an oxygen mask, as surgeons battled to save his right arm which had been partially severed, the scars of which are still evident today.

Indeed, Kubica completed his 30-minute presentation to the media on the sun-drenched roof of the Williams’ motorhome, with the microphone firmly clutched in his opposing hand.

“It is a story that probably nobody would believe,” he said.

“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 have a lot of experience in racing, competing in the sport for five years, and I know what it takes to be a top Formula One driver. It requires a lot of work, dedication, and I am ready.”

Kubica’s unprecedented 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.

Kubica then drove for Williams at last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi, but the British team opted to take on Russian rookie Sergey Sirotkin.

Kubica however, signed to the team as a reserve driver and now replaces Sirotkin to bring much-needed experience to a team rooted to the foot of the constructors’ championship after arguably the worst season in their history.

Kubica, who will be the second-oldest driver on the grid next year behind Kimi Raikkonen, 39, is also believed to bring substantial financial muscle to Williams, understood to be in the region of £9million, via major Polish oil refiner, PKN Orlon.

He will be paired with British rookie George Russell next season.

Picture: Getty Images. Robert Kubica delivers his presentation to the media.