Hot on the heels of Sergey Sirotkin's confirmation as teammate to Lance Stroll this season, comes the news that Robert Kubica will be the Grove outfit's reserve and development driver.

Kubica's return to F1 included several tests with Williams over the second half of last year, as well as the Abu Dhabi Pirelli tyre test at the conclusion of the season.

According to the team he will have a particularly active role this year, including participation in the Barcelona pre-season tests, in-season testing, and will also take part in a number of race weekend practice sessions.

"Robert's experience and knowledge will prove invaluable to our technical group in the development of FW41's car performance," said the team. "He will be able to assist the race drivers and engineers deliver better qualifying and race performance, and of course, be available to stand-in as the race driver if required. He will also support the team's media and sponsorship support programme.

"I'm extremely happy to be joining the Williams team as its official Reserve and Development Driver this season," said the Pole. "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 One 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 maximise the performance of the car. My ultimate goal remains to race again in Formula One and this is another important step in that direction: I cannot wait to get started."

"I am delighted to announce that Robert will be joining Williams as our Reserve and Development Driver," said Claire Williams. "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 commitment to return to Formula One. We are excited to be continuing our relationship with Robert and look forward to working with him this coming season."

"First and foremost, we'd like to congratulate Robert on what he has achieved so far," added Paddy Lowe. "To overcome his injuries, return to fitness, and drive a Formula One car again is a remarkable achievement, and one that few considered possible.

"We anticipate Robert will make a strong technical contribution to the team, using his wealth of experience in track testing, simulator work, and support to the race drivers and engineers at every race. He is a driver I have admired for many years and I am personally very happy to be working with him towards our 2018 Championship."