Robert Kubica News

Kubica is one of five drivers scheduled to appear at a news conference organised by the governing FIA at the Singapore Grand Prix scheduled for 2030 local time (1230 GMT).

Addressing rumours swirling around the former champions who have fallen far from their glorious past, Williams also dismissed speculation the team could switch from Mercedes to Renault engines.

The Alfa Romeo driver had been eighth on the provisional starting grid and his demotion means Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc, who crashed in the second phase of qualifying, will move up from ninth.

Group revenue increased to 176.5 million pounds ($230.79 million), from a previous 166.2 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were 12.9 million, up from 10.8 in 2017.

Kubica, preparing for his first grand prix since 2010 as part of an amazing comeback from partially severing his right forearm in a 2011 rally crash, suffered a puncture on his last flying lap.

By any measure, Williams have had a chaotic preparation for the season-opener, with technical director Paddy Lowe taking "a leave of absence" after they failed to finish their new car in time for the start of testing in Barcelona and turned up two days late.

The 22-year-old Russian will partner 19-year-old Canadian Lance Stroll, who made his debut with the former world champions last year.

Sunday's race at Yas Marina is the last of the season, with Brazilian Massa saying farewell to the sport he entered in 2002.

Kubica won the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix with BMW-Sauber and joined Renault in 2010. His arm injury, in a rally he entered for fun in Italy, came before the start of the 2011 season.