3,045 days – that’s how long it will have been since Robert Kubica last started a Grand Prix, by the time he lines up on the grid in Australia next weekend.

The Pole is set to complete a remarkable fairy-tale journey back to F1 when he competes in Melbourne for Williams, some eight years after he suffered serious injuries in a horrific rally crash.

READ MORE: Robert Kubica 2.0 – Why injury won’t hold him back in 2019

Unsurprisingly, the 34-year-old has admitted the whole weekend will have added significance, given the journey he’s been on.

“It will be a very emotional Grand Prix. It is the second debut for me after being away from the sport for many years.

“My last Formula 1 race was in Abu Dhabi 2010, so I am looking forward to going to Australia with a few things to cover and learn. I hope to enjoy the weekend and that everything will run smoothly without any big issues so I can concentrate on my driving and discover a new Formula 1.”