Kubica named reserve driver for F1 Williams team

Robert Kubica failed to secure a driver spot for the Formula 1 team Williams for the upcoming season but has been named the reserve and development driver for the team. Russian Sergey Sirotkin was announced as a race driver joining Canadian Lance Stroll. Kubica and Sirotkin competed for the spot during a number of test drives, but the team ultimately went with the Russian. Media rumored that while both drivers had similar test performances, the Russian had the stronger backing of sponsors which affected the decision. Still, a reserve spot is quite an accomplishment for Kubica, whose F1 career was cut short when he sustained serious injuries to his hand during a rally race in 2011. Since then he has raced in various competitions, but his physical condition prevented him from driving an F1 car. Before testing for Williams he did extensive tests for Renault this past year as well, but the French team decided against signing him.