Alfa Romeo has confirmed that reserve driver Robert Kubica will take part in first practice for the upcoming Formula 1 Styrian Grand Prix, in place of Antonio Giovinazzi.
After leaving Williams at the end of 2019, Kubica moved across to the Hinwil-based outfit in a reserve capacity and will take part in his first official session for them since he raced for BMW in the 2009 F1 season.
The Polish driver has experience of driving the C39 after running the car in two sessions during February’s pre-season test in Spain.
Alongside his reserve driver duties, Kubica also took up the option to race in the Germany-based DTM series with an ART-run BMW M4.
“I am looking forward to returning to action this weekend, especially after the long break the whole world of motorsport had to observe,” said Kubica.
“My objective, as always, is to provide as much data as possible for our engineers and to give them my feedback from within the cockpit.
“This weekend will be quite a new experience for everyone, racing in the same venue we were on just a few days ago, so it will be a matter of refining all the data we collected over the course of the Austrian Grand Prix and testing the adjustments we want to make to the cars.”
Team Principal Frederic Vassuer added: “I am looking forward to seeing Robert in the car on Friday. A driver with his experience always comes up with valuable feedback and he’ll be able to help us continue learning about our car.
“Robert was with the team last weekend, of course, and so he is fully aware of everything that was discussed in the engineering meetings and during each session: it’ll be a chance for him to experience the car by himself and, armed with that knowledge, help us progress further.”
Alfa Romeo qualified slowest in Austria but scored two points in the race courtesy of ninth for Giovinazzi.
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