After missing out on a shock F1 race comeback with Williams, Robert Kubica says he is enjoying his new role with the team and is 100% committed to helping regular drivers Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin develop.
Kubica completed 48 laps on the second of day of F1 testing in Barcelona, and set a quicker time than his Williams teammate Sergey Sirotkin, but insists his speed in comparison to the other Williams drivers is not important.
“No, it is not my priority,” he said. “I’m in a very delicate situation because I have to drive the car, I have to provide feedback, I have to go fast but I have no margin for any mistakes or any inconvenience.
“This would ruin the test and create a difficult situation for the race drivers, and I am here to help them,” he added.
The Pole raced 76 times for BMW Sauber and Renault from 2006 to 2010, winning the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. His career looked to be over however after a horrific crash during a rally event in early 2011, partially severed his right arm.
After making a significant recovery from his injuries, Kubica was favourite to take the second Williams race seat for 2018 before the team opted for Sirotkin. His new role as reserve and development driver will now see him take part in three official F1 practice sessions this season, plus the official in-season test.
After being apprehensive about returning to the F1 paddock in a supporting role, Kubica says he is now much more comfortable with his new role in the Williams team.
“I know how things are going and honestly I’m happy with what I get,” he said.
“I think it’s important to enjoy it. I’ve discovered here that actually I’m enjoying [my role] more than I was thinking. I had some doubts that it would be difficult in the beginning.
“I hope also that the team see that I’m 100% committed. It was fundamental also to test the car like this because now I have a better picture of what’s going on, and I can provide better feedback and I can have some ideas that maybe work better.”
