Robert Kubica will remain in a Formula 1 role this year after joining Alfa Romeo as its reserve driver, as part of a deal that involves sponsor PKN Orlen.
Kubica returned to a race seat for 2019 with Williams after an eight-year absence but struggled for performance, amid the team’s own ongoing lack of pace.
In September Kubica announced that he would not remain with Williams into 2020 and had been linked to a role at Haas and Racing Point.
But on Wednesday it was confirmed that Kubica will act as back-up to Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi this year.
Kubica made his Formula 1 debut with the squad under its BMW Sauber guise in 2006 and claimed his and the team’s sole victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.
Polish petroleum company PKN Orlen will become Alfa Romeo’s co-title sponsor as part of a multi-year deal
“I am really happy to be starting this new chapter in my career as I join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN,” said Kubica.
“This team holds a special place in my heart and I am pleased to see some faces still here from my years in Hinwil. Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed. I am looking forward to helping Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN make the next step forward.”
Added team boss Frederic Vasseur: “The exciting new partnership with PKN ORLEN is a statement of intent for both parties.
“It is proof of the ambition of our common project and of our desire to compete at the very top of Formula One. PKN ORLEN support for excellence finds a perfect partner in our team.
“We are also delighted to welcome Robert back home and we cannot wait to start working with him. He is a driver that needs no introduction: one of the most brilliant in his generation and one who displayed the true meaning of human determination in his fight to return to racing after his rallying accident. His feedback will be invaluable as we continue to push our team towards the front of the grid.”
Ex-Sauber racer Marcus Ericsson held the role of Alfa Romeo’s reserve through 2019, sampling the C38 just once, as part of an in-season tyre test in Austria.
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