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Robert Kubica says he is still hoping to secure a Formula 1 race seat for 2019 - but says it doesn't have to be with Williams.
The Pole and former BMW and Renault driver was signed up as Williams' reserve and occasional Friday driver this year.
Kubica downplays Williams slump
At the same time, Williams has entered arguably its biggest ever slump.
READ: Williams car 'simply not good enough' - Kubica
Asked what he likes about the 2018 car, Kubica joked in Austria: "The engine. And the livery is nice."
He said Williams is not really making progress in terms of solving its performance crisis.
"If I say that we have made a step forward, you will write that we have made a step forward. But I can't say that we have really made a step forward," Kubica said.
'My situation has not changed'
The 33-year-old says he is still looking to step into a race seat for 2019.
"My situation has not changed since the end of last year.
There will be a lot of talk, but I stay away from it. Right now the top drivers are doing their contracts. So fortunately you have someone else to write about except me.
I want to get an opportunity to race next year. That's the goal.
Last November there was only one vacancy, here at Williams, but now there are more teams. My goal is to be on the grid next year," Kubica said in Austria.
Image: AP
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the situation at Williams is sad.
"The car is extremely difficult to drive - you can see that from the onboard. And unfortunately, there are no easy solutions in F1.
Wolff was also asked about the situation at Force India, amid rumours of near insolvency.
The financial situation is tense, but on the sporting side they are doing well and so it should be interesting for investors," he said.