ROBERT Kubica will make a remarkable return to Formula 1 after completing Williams’s driver line-up for 2019.

The Pole suffered a partially severed right arm in a rallying crash seven years ago.

But, after being the Grove-based team’s test driver for the past 12 months, he will return to the F1 grid next season.

The news was announced by Williams this morning, with the 33-year-old partnering rookie George Russell.

Kubica previously spent five seasons in F1 between 2007-2010, finishing on the podium 12 times and claiming one victory.

The Pole is delighted to be returning to the sport and cannot wait to begin racing.

He said: “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.

“It has been a challenging journey to make it back, 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 1 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.

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

“This year has been tough, but I have learnt a lot.

“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.”

Claire Williams, deputy team principal, added: “All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved, and it is a great credit to his strength of character and tenacity to return to Formula 1.”

The Grove-based team have endured a poor 2018 and are bottom of the constructors’ championship with just seven points ahead of Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Kubica’s appointment confirms the departure of Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin after this weekend.

Williams added: “Having the consistency of Robert stepping up into this new role will be an important step for us as we look to fight our way back towards the front of the field.

“I am also excited to have a mixture of youth and experience to lead us into 2019 and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve on track.

“I would also like to thank Lance and Sergey for their hard work in what has been a challenging season. We wish them all the best for their future careers.”