F1 2019 changes coming at "perfect" time for Kubica

Kubica will race in F1 for the first time since the 2010 as he has been partnered with George Russell in Williams’s race line-up for next season.

The 2019 cars will feature new wings, brake ducts and bargeboards as part of a raft of aerodynamic rule changes aimed at making it easier for cars to follow each other.

“I have quite a lot of experience with racing, in F1, so I know what it takes to be a top F1 driver – I’m not scared of it,” Kubica replied when asked about his expectations for his comeback by Motorsport.com. “I know that it requires a lot of work and dedication and I’m ready for it. 

“From a technical point of view, a driving point of view, we had the Abu Dhabi test, we will have winter testing – so by the time we will be in Australia that’s enough to be ready from this side. 

“It’s a different story when you come testing at the end of the year, comparing to the drivers who know the cars and tyres. 

“[In] 2019 we all are starting from zero, let’s say, so I’m not afraid that I have been away for eight years. I’m looking forward – I know what it takes and what I have to do. If I do my job well, I’m sure everybody will be happy.”

Kubica came close to sealing a Williams race seat for this season before the team opted to run Sergey Sirotkin alongside Lance Stroll, but was the squad’s reserve and development driver for 2018.

“For sure, the more experience you have, the more confidence you get and the readier you are,” Kubica continued.

“Partially, I was ready in January [2018], but this year gave me more time to learn – it’s true that driving an F1 car in testing is helpful, but also it’s not that you learn everything. 

“So I will have to discover at the beginning of the year. It’s more about discovering, not learning – because discovering things, all drivers have to do it with the new cars, the new tyres, with the new systems. 

“I think this is a perfect moment for me and that’s why I decided to go for it. I’m feeling ready. You have to be realistic, and we know it will not be easy.

“It has been a big challenge for me to get into Formula 1, it will probably be an even bigger challenge, from a sporting point of view, to make sure I’m delivering what is expected from my side. 

“But I’m not scared at all of it, I’m ready and excited and it gives me additional motivation and dedication to what I have been doing already this year.”