Kubica to get BMW DTM rookie test outing after F1 exit

Robert Kubica will drive for BMW in the upcoming DTM rookie test later this month following his departure from Formula 1.

The 34-year-old Pole completed a remarkable comeback to F1 this year with Williams, having recovered from life-threatening injuries he sustained in a rally crash in 2011 but decided to leave the championship after a frustrating season hampered by a lack of competitiveness.

Kubica has targeted combining an F1 simulator role alongside a race programme in DTM for 2020, and has been linked to both Haas and Racing Point.

Ahead of his planned switch to DTM, Kubica will be handed an opportunity to test BMW’s M4 DTM car at the rookie test at Jerez on December 10-13. Nick Yelloly has also been confirmed as driving for the German manufacturer.

Kubica, who drove for the German manufacturer in F1 between 2006 and 2009, has previous experience driving DTM machinery, having previously tested a Mercedes in 2013.

"I would like to thank BMW Motorsport for the opportunity to test at Jerez with the BMW M4 DTM," Kubica said.

"I am already very much looking forward to the test and to getting to know the DTM race car with its turbo engine. I can well imagine a future in the DTM.

"I am looking for a new challenge, and the DTM is certainly just that. The series has a top-class field and the standard of driving is extremely high. However, we must first wait and see how I get on at the test."

BMW motorsport boss Jens Marquardt added: "We are delighted to offer the opportunity to Robert Kubica to take part in the Jerez test.

"Robert is a big name on the international motor racing scene, with a lot of experience in high-class series like Formula 1. We are now very intrigued to see how he gets on in his test at the wheel of a touring car - our BMW M4 DTM."