Alfa Romeo Racing has signed Robert Kubica as its reserve driver for the 2020 F1 season as it announced PKN ORLEN as new co-title sponsor.
After reports of Kubica joining Alfa Romeo last month, the news has been now confirmed by the Swiss-Italian outfit as the Polish driver joins in as its reserve for 2020, thereby making a return to the team where he started his F1 journey.
This also ends the speculations with regards to Haas and Racing Point, who were also eyeing Kubica in a similar role after his departure from Williams. He joins in along with his sponsor PKN ORLEN as the petroleum giants is named as a co-title partner.
The team name changes to ‘Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN’, with the company moving on from its deal with Williams. The branding will feature on C39 along with the F1 team’s trackside assets, while an exciting fan engagement programme is also on cards.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur said: “The exciting new partnership with PKN ORLEN is a statement of intent for both parties. It is proof of the ambition of our common project and of our desire to compete at the very top of F1.
“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 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 F1 and all automotive fans. We are looking forward to years of success together.”
At the same time, Kubica stated: “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.”
PKN ORLEN’s Daniel Obajtek added: “In sport as in business, consistency is crucial. When last year we supported the return of Robert Kubica to F1, we knew that we were creating the history of sport, but we were also opening a new chapter in the history of ORLEN brand. Last season has exceeded our expectations in the context of the benefits obtained through the presence in the most prestigious races in the world.
“The sheer value of our logo after 16 races exceeded 110 million PLN. We also significantly increased the profits of the retail network. Building global brand recognition has also allowed us to start the co-branding process, under which all European stations of our network will ultimately operate under one brand.
“Today we are taking another important step on this path by associating ourselves with a team that has enormous tradition and history. Robert Kubica, one of the fastest drivers in the world, remains our ambassador.”
Robert Kubica speaks up on his F1 return
Kubica felt comfortable straightaway in the BMW M4 DTM car at Jerez