Alfa Romeo F1 Lead the Way to Sign Robert Kubica for Development Role

Former Williams F1 driver, Robert Kubica is in advanced talks with Alfa Romeo F1 for a development driver role. Previously, Racing Point and Haas F1 teams were linked with signing the Pole for a developmental role. Alfa Romeo is now leading the pack to sign him. Kubica will be combining a F1 development role with a racing role in DTM.

Kubica signing with Alfa Romeo would mark a return to the team he enjoyed the most success with, back when it was known as BMW Sauber.

Robert Kubica and his 2019 season

Robert Kubica’s return to F1 was a heralded story for the 2019 season. After suffering a near-fatal crash which caused the partial amputation of his right arm, he worked his way back into Formula One. Having undertaken testing roles for Williams and Renault F1, it was the British team that signed him. The team felt they could utilise his experience for car development.

During the season Kubica remained on the backfoot. Teammate George Russell consistently outperformed him, besting him in head-t0-head qualifying in every race of the season. Despite that, Kubica did score the team’s solitary point. That came courtesy of post-race penalties given to the Alfa Romeo team after the German Grand Prix.

Ultimately, the relationship between Williams and Kubica soured considerably. He felt the team underutilized the experience and developmental capabilities he bought to the table. Recently he’s been a vocal critic of the beleaguered giant who languishes at the back of the grid.

What’s in store for Kubica in 2020?

With nearly two decades of motorsports under his belt, he’s not short of experience. It’s why teams are in the running to sign him for a developmental role. Having tested out with the Mercedes simulator prior to his Formula One return, he can help develop ‘next-generation’ simulator.

It’s reported his continued involvement in F1 comes from his sponsor, PKN Orlen. The Polish petrol company is keen to maintain a presence in F1. With Alfa Romeo’s deal with Alfa Romeo ending in 2019, PKN Orlen would like to capitalize on the opportunity.

Kubica is also keen on continuing his racing career. He is actively looking for a drive in the DTM series in 2020. He ‘felt comfortable‘ after having a test with BMW earlier in December.

The coming weeks will finally tell what 2020 has in store for Robert Kubica.