Paddy Lowe is certain Robert Kubica's performance won't be hampered by injuries he sustained in a 2011 rally crash. The Polish driver makes his return to the Formula 1 grid after years of recovery.
The 34-year-old will drive for Williams alongside rookie George Russell. As Williams look to bounce back from a horror 2018, Lowe is adamant that Kubica is still a "top class" driver despite life-changing injuries.
"It is clearly something we had to consider in the selection because you can't pretend that is not an issue or potential issue," Lowe told Motorsport.com.
"But now we've made our decision and we are confident that Robert is absolutely top class and ready to return to F1. I don't even think about it anymore, it is just not a factor. Robert is our driver, he's 100% competent, he is 100% committed, we're 100% committed and we'll just go with that.
"Maybe other people from outside may bring that up, but it is not even in our minds."
Kubica once led the world championship back in 2008 after his Canadian Grand Prix victory. Last year, he spent time working in the Williams garage as a test and reserve driver. He featured in a couple of FP1 sessions across the calendar.