Confirmed: It's back to the F1 grind for Robert Kubica!

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Almost eight years after a dramatic rally crash left him practically lost for the sport, Robert Kubica will make an amazing return to the F1 grid next season driving for Williams.

The Pole has spared no effort in the last two years to fulfill his dream of resuming his career as a Grand Prix driver.

In 2017, Kubica put himself to the task, testing his physical ability at the wheel of an F3 car before Renault and then Williams handed him several private test sessions.

He was even in the running for a seat with the British team this year before Williams opted to run the well-supported Sergey Sirotkin while assigning a reserve driver role to Kubica.

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However, in-season testing this year further validated his competency, leading Williams to write the final chapter of this feel-good story and include Kubica in its 2019 line-up alongside rookie George Russell.

"Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during what was a difficult period of my life over these last few years," said Kubica.

"It has been a challenging journey to make it back to the Formula One grid, but what seemed almost impossible is now beginning to feel possible, as I am excited to be able to say that I will be on the Formula One grid in 2019.

"For sure, it has 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.

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"It will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, both George and myself will work together to try and help the team get in better shape to move further up the grid," added the Polish driver.

"This year has been tough, but I have learnt a lot, and I’d like to thank Sir Frank and Claire for this opportunity.

"Being back on the F1 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.

"Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and believed in me. I will finally be back on the grid behind the wheel of an F1 car, and I cannot wait to get back racing."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.