Kubica out of contention for Williams seat

The dream of a sensational return to Formula 1 appears to be over for Robert Kubica, with reports suggesting he is now completely out of the running for the vacant Williams seat.

Kubica impressed Williams in the two-day Pirelli tyre test at the end of the 2017 season, but Autosport believes the Pole is now no longer being considered for the role and Sergey Sirotkin is now clear favourite.

Earlier on Monday, reports emerged that Sirotkin’s significant sponsorship backing, worth in the region of £11.2million, was making him the more attractive prospect for Williams.

But Autosport also reckon that Williams were impressed with Sirotkin’s data from the test in Abu Dhabi when compared to Kubica.

Should a deal with Sirotkin fall through, axed Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat – another driver with substantial financial backing – is the back-up option with reserve driver Paul di Resta also now ruled out.

After failing to land a seat at Renault and now seemingly at Williams, the doors initially available to Kubica appear to be firmly shut.