Williams will organise a private test for Robert Kubica in the coming weeks in order to analyse whether the Polish driver should be awarded a 2018 seat alongside Lance Stroll.
Kubica looked set to make a comeback with Renault after completing two private runs in a 2012-spec car followed by a day of in-season testing in Hungary, where he and the team admitted a return was viable.
Renault have however chosen to loan Carlos Sainz from Toro Rosso and with Nico Hülkenberg contracted through 2018, Kubica's comeback chance looked to be over.
Williams could now offer the 32-year-old a lifeline as it considers its options for next season, which also include retaining Felipe Massa, whilst reserve driver Paul di Resta is also up for consideration given his strong performance in Hungary when he stood in for an unwell Massa.
Kubica though is thought to be favourite for the seat, but Williams are keen to analyse his performance and speed before committing and are set to organise a private test in a 2014 FW36 in the coming weeks.
Massa, though keen to stay for another season, would likely move to Formula E after recently admitting the series was on his radar.
