Robert Kubica sees his new reserve role with Williams as another step toward a racing return in Formula 1.

Having been tipped to secure the vacant race seat alongside Lance Stroll for 2018, Kubica ended up losing out to Sergey Sirotkin after the Russian impressed during tire testing at the end of last year. However, Williams still handed Kubica the role of reserve and development driver and he sees the position as an opportunity to move closer to racing again in F1, having been out of the sport since suffering serious injuries in a rally crash in 2011.

“I’m extremely happy to be joining the Williams team as its official reserve and development driver this season,” Kubica said. “I feel in the best physical shape that I have ever been, but it has taken a lot of work to get to where I am now, so I’d like to thank Williams for the opportunities they have given me so far, and for putting their faith in me with this appointment.

“I have enjoyed being back in the Formula 1 paddock over these past few months, and I now look forward to working with the Williams technical team, both at the factory and at the track, to really help push forward the development of the FW41 and to make a real difference to their 2018 campaign.

“Having driven both the FW36 and the FW40, I’m looking forward to seeing how the FW41 measures up on track and working with the team to ensure we can maximize the performance of the car.

“My ultimate goal remains to race again in Formula 1 and this is another important step in that direction: I cannot wait to get started.”

WATCH: Robert talks about joining the team and what his Reserve and Development Driver role will involve #WeAreRacing pic.twitter.com/TC6fA9QdIl

— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) January 16, 2018

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Williams has confirmed Kubica will take part in pre-season testing, in-season testing and some Friday practice sessions this season, with his Friday appearances set to be his first F1 race weekend outings since 2010.