Kubica gets Alfa Romeo reserve role for F1 2020

Robert Kubica will carry out reserve driver duties for Alfa Romeo during the 2020 Formula 1 season after the team secured a new partnership with PKN ORLEN. 

The Polish petroleum giant, a backer of Kubica, has signed a deal to become the co-title partners of Alfa Romeo, which will compete under the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN banner in 2020. 

PKN ORLEN has followed Kubica to Alfa Romeo from Williams following his departure from the British squad at the end of his comeback season in 2019. The 34-year-old Pole had been linked to similar roles at Haas and Racing Point but has linked back up with the team he made his F1 debut with in 2006.

“The exciting new partnership with PKN ORLEN is a statement of intent for both parties," said Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur. 

"It is proof of the ambition of our common project and of our desire to compete at the very top of Formula 1. 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 added.

"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.

“The partnership between PKN ORLEN and Alfa Romeo Racing, together with the remarkable and never-ending support of Alfa Romeo, means we can create a valuable platform not only for the global promotion of our brands but also for Formula 1 and all automotive fans. We are looking forward to years of success together.”

Kubica joins full-time drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi in completing the Swiss squad's 2020 line-up. 

Kubica added: “I am really happy to be starting this new chapter in my career as I join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. 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.”