I never gave up hope... Nothing is impossible
ROBERT KUBICA ON HIS AMAZING RETURN TO F1
ROBERT KUBICA has completed a remarkable return to the Formula One circuit – eight years after a rally accident that nearly killed him.
Kubica suffered multiple injuries, including a partially severed right arm, in the horrific crash in a race in northern Italy in February 2011.
The Polish driver’s car was penetrated by a metal roadside barrier and for a while his life was in the balance, so severe were his injuries.
But the 33-year-old’s strength of character and determination to make it back to F1 against all the odds have seen him rewarded with a place racing for Williams next season.
Kubica has not taken part in a grand prix for eight years, but after spending this season as a reserve driver for Williams, he has been promoted for next year’s campaign.
“Probably the only ones who never gave up were myself and the people around me,” said Kubica, who still only has partial movement of his right arm. “We all knew that it might be something not achievable.
“This shows that somehow nothing is impossible.
“From the driving point of view, you just have to wait a few months and you will see.
“If I would not be able to drive competitively enough, I would not be here.
“It’s a normal way of thinking that people see my limitations and ask how it is possible I can do it, and I know it is hard to believe. But Williams has seen it this year and I have seen it in the last 16 or 18 months since I first drove an F1 car in Valencia last year that I can do it, thanks to work, but also that my limitations are not limiting me as most people are thinking.
“It’s been a challenging journey to make it back to the Formula One grid, but what seemed almost impossible is now beginning to feel possible.
“It’s been a long road to get to this point, but as that challenge now comes to an end with this announcement, a new challenge begins working with Williams on track.
“Being back on the Formula One grid next season will be one of the greatest achievements of my life and I’m sure, with hard work and commitment, we will be able to help motivate the team to achieve good things together.”
Claire Williams, deputy team principal, said everyone at Williams had been “immensely impressed” with Kubica and praised his “strength of character and tenacity to return” to F1.
Kubica’s injuries brought a dramatic halt to an F1 career that had earned him one grand prix victory, before his crash.
After making his comeback on the rallying circuit, he test-drove for former team Renault last year, before joining Williams as a reserve driver.