Kubica joins Alfa Romeo as reserve driver

Having sensationally returned to full-time F1 action with Williams in 2019, Robert Kubica will remain a fixture in the paddock in 2020 after signing a deal to become Alfa Romeo’s reserve driver.

The deal sees the Polish driver - who was courted by several teams, including Haas - return to the Swiss-based squad that gave him his Grand Prix racing debut in 2006, when they were known as BMW-Sauber.

Kubica’s signing coincides with the arrival of Polish petroleum company Orlen to Alfa Romeo as co-title sponsor on a multi-year partnership, with the squad officially rebranded Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN.

READ MORE: Forget results, Kubica's F1 comeback has been a triumph

“I am really happy to be starting this new chapter in my career as I join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN,” said Kubica, who will be understudy to Alfa’s driver line-up of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi in the coming campaign.

“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.”

Alfa team boss Frederic Vasseur said he was “delighted” to welcome Kubica “back home”, adding that the Pole’s experience would be valuable in pushing the Swiss squad forward from their eighth place finish in 2019.

“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.”

Kubica finished a challenging season with Williams in 19th place in the drivers’ standings in 2019, scoring a solitary point for 10th place in Germany.