Robert Kubica and Sergey Sirotkin will participate in the Pirelli tests in Abu Dhabi

For Robert Kubica, this is not really a surprise since he has already taken part in tests with Williams on the 2014 model. Previously, he also participated in tests with Renault as well as the mid-season private tests at the Hungaroring last August, but without convincing the French manufacturer to hire him full-time.

These tests, which are meant to allow Pirelli to test tire compounds for the next season, will be an opportunity for Williams to assess Kubica’s ability to drive a current specification single-seater with a view to potentially signing him as a main driver next year. Let’s remember that due to his rally injury in 2011, the Pole is forced to drive almost exclusively with one hand. Robert Kubica will be at the wheel of the Williams on the first day in the morning before handing the car over to the regular driver, Lance Stroll.

The presence of Sergey Sirotkin for the second day on the entry list is much more surprising since the Russian driver has never tested for Williams and has never been considered a favorite to replace Felipe Massa for the next season. The Russian driver, who is more associated with Renault, had participated in a test session in Valencia alongside Kubica with the French brand aboard a former Lotus. He is expected to drive for the majority of the second day before allowing Lance Stroll to finish the session.

Williams’ decision to field its drivers does not yet indicate whether this puts the two mentioned drivers in a good position for a seat in 2018. Other drivers often cited as candidates are Paul Di Resta, Daniil Kvyat, and Pascal Wehrlein.