Robert Kubica replaces Kimi Räikkönen during Free Practice 1 in Bahrain

After Styria, Hungary, and Great Britain, Robert Kubica will return to the wheel of the Alfa Romeo C39 at the Sakhir circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Recruited last year by Alfa Romeo as a reserve driver and competing in DTM this season with a BMW M4, the Pole will take Kimi Räikkönen’s place for this session, before the 2007 World Champion returns for the rest of the weekend.

« We are very happy to have Robert back in the car for FP1. His contribution to the team has been significant during this season, and being able to benefit from his experience here in Bahrain will help the team continue its progress. Sakhir is a track he knows very well and that will help our work during the weekend. » comments Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of Alfa Romeo Racing.

Robert Kubica declined an invitation to compete in the WRC finale, which will take place in early December in Monza, in order to fulfill his obligations with the Switzerland-based team.

« I am delighted to be back in the single-seater for the first time since August. » commented the 35-year-old driver. « It’s been a long time since I’ve been with the team, but the season has been busy between work at the factory simulator and my DTM program (editor’s note: which he finished 15th in the Championship), but now I am eager to resume my role with the team full-time: there is still much to do and I am confident that my work will make a positive contribution to the team. »

Alfa Romeo currently holds the eighth place in the constructors’ championship and has a five-point lead over Haas.