Robert Kubica will drive in his second-straight first practice session for Alfa Romeo at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the team announced on Wednesday.
His second outing in as many weeks, Kubica took the place of Antonio Giovinazzi last Friday in Austria, and will deputise for Kimi Raikkonen in FP1 this Friday in Hungary.
A veteran of 97 races and one-time winner at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, Kubica was on hiatus from Formula 1 between 2011 and 2018, before returning to a race seat with Williams in 2019. However, his comeback year proved unsuccessful and he was let go by the Grove outfit before Alfa picked him up as their test and reserve driver in order to use his feedback.
“Driving one of these cars is always an incredible feeling and therefore I can’t wait for Friday,” Kubica said in a team press release. “Emotions aside, we cannot forget how crucial car development is, especially in this compressed 2020 season.
“The team needs data and feedback and providing as much valuable information is what I am here for. We had a productive weekend last time out and my aim is to help the team make another step forward here in Hungary.”
Sitting eighth in the championship with two points, Alfa has failed to make significant strides so far this season, but team principal Frédéric Vasseur says he hopes to see progress with Kubica’s contributions.
“Developing the C39 quickly and effectively will be one of the key aspects of the midfield battle and Robert is one of the biggest assets the team has on its side,” he said.
“He did a thoroughly fine job in Austria last week and I am happy to have him in the car once more.
“The data he provided our engineers have already proven valuable, but there is a lot of work still to be done and having three great drivers to receive information from is a definite advantage.”