Kubica returns to F1 this weekend in Barcelona

Robert Kubica still has an honorable track record in F1 with 97 races under his belt, a pole position and a victory in Canada in 2008, making him the first Polish driver to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix. His F1 career was shattered in 2011 by a terrible rally accident, but he miraculously made a comeback on the track in 2017 for private tests with Renault, then became a reserve driver in 2018 at Williams before being offered a final season in the top category alongside George Russell, still at Williams. Since 2020, he is now a reserve and development driver at Alfa Romeo.

After having already driven the C41 on the Barcelona circuit during the Alfa Romeo shakedown event, before the pre-season tests. And after excellent performances on this same circuit, winning last month the 2021 season of the European Le Mans Series sharing an ORECA 07-Gibson LMP2 with Louis Deletraz and Yifei Ye for the WRT team, this Friday will see Kubica take the wheel from Kimi Räikkönen during free practice 1. Alfa Romeo had already made this type of change last weekend in Portugal, during the same testing session, with Antonio Giovinazzi then giving way to the promising Callum Ilott.

In addition to driving on Friday during the FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix, Robert Kubica will take the wheel of the Alfa Romeo on the following Tuesday and Wednesday to conduct tests with Pirelli’s 18-inch tires. Alfa Romeo will thus join Alpine and Red Bull, although Alpine will only run on the first day of testing.

Robert Kubica therefore spoke about his taking office this weekend: “I can’t wait to be back in the car this Friday and next week.”

« Having driven the C41 for the last time in Barcelona in February, I am looking forward to seeing how much the car has progressed since then. Driving a Formula 1 car is always a special experience, and I am eager to contribute to the team’s efforts in the midfield battle.

« Furthermore, being able to drive the new 18-inch tires will be a new experience and the first taste of the new world that will come to life next year.

« Driving a Formula 1 car is always a special experience »

The Alfa Romeo team manager, Fred Vasseur, added: « It’s great that Robert is back in the car for his first test session of the season and for the Barcelona test.”

« Every time he gets in the car, it is precious for us to benefit from his vast experience and to have another perspective on the C41. His technical feedback will also be crucial during his tests with the 2022 tires. »

We are in the middle of a very tight battle in the middle of the pack and each contribution from our talented group of drivers may be the secret weapon that gives us that edge to move forward.

« Benefit from his vast experience and have another perspective on C41 »