Kubica to drive Alfa Romeo first in Barcelona

Robert Kubicawill kick-start Alfa Romeo’s pre-testing programme after being named first on their driver schedule in Barcelona.

The Pole, who suffered life-changing injuries following a rally accident in 2011, made a sensational return to Formula 1 action in 2019 as he lined up alongside George Russell at Williams.

But, he decided that one season would be his last with the team following a miserable campaign which predominantly took place at the very back of the grid.

However, Kubica will remain in Formula 1 circles in 2020 after he landed a reserve driver role at Alfa Romeo with the help of his long-time sponsors Orlen, who feature on the new car.

The new Alfa has already been for a spin with Kimi Raikkonen as part of a filming day on Valentine’s Day, but Kubica will be behind the wheel come Wednesday morning when the first day of pre-season testing gets underway at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Kubica will be driving in the morning session before Antonio Giovinazzi takes over for the afternoon. Raikkonen will get a full day under his belt on Thursday and Giovinazzi gets likewise on Friday.

First test driver schedules so far:

Mercedes – Weds: Bottas AM/Hamilton PM
Ferrari – Weds: Vettel Thurs: Leclerc (AM)/Vettel (PM) Fri: Charles Leclerc
Red Bull – Weds: Verstappen Thurs: Albon Fri: Verstappen (AM)/Albon (PM)
McLaren – Weds: Sainz Thurs: Norris Fri: Norris (AM)/Sainz (PM)
Renault -Weds: Ocon (AM)/Ricciardo (PM) Thurs: Ricciardo (AM)/Ocon (PM) Fri: Ocon (AM)/Ricciardo (PM)
Racing Point – Weds: Perez Thurs: Stroll Fri: Perez (AM)/Stroll (PM)
Haas – Weds: Magnussen Thurs: Grosjean Fri: Grosjean (AM)/Magnussen (PM)
AlphaTauri – Weds: Kvyat Thurs: Gasly Fri: Kvyat (AM)/Gasly (PM)
Alfa Romeo – Weds: Kubica (AM)/Giovinazzi (PM)/ Thurs: Raikkonen Fri: Giovinazzi
Williams – Weds: Russell (AM)/Latifi (PM) Thurs: Russell Fri: Latifi

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