Kubica to replace Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo for FP1 in Bahrain

Robert Kubica will make his fourth free practice appearance of the season when he takes part in FP1 for Alfa Romeo in Bahrain. The Polish driver – a one-time Grand Prix winner – will take over Kimi Raikkonen’s car for the 90-minute session.

Kubica last appeared for the Swiss-based team in practice for August’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, with his other appearances this year coming in Styria and Hungary.

“I am very pleased to be back in the driving seat for the first time since August,” said the veteran of 97 Grands Prix. “It may sound like a long time, but my season has been really busy with my simulator work at the factory and my DTM programme, so it actually felt like it went quite quickly.

“Now that my DTM season is over, I am keen to get back into my Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN role full time: there is still a lot to fight for and I am confident my work will make a positive contribution to the team’s efforts.”

Team Principal Frederic Vasseur added: “We are all pleased to see Robert get back in the car for FP1. His contribution to the team has been important so far this season and to be able to get the most of his experience and skills here in Bahrain is going to help the team continue its current path of progression. Sakhir is a circuit he knows really well and this will really help our work this weekend.”

Kubica, who scored one podium this season racing DTM toruing cars, has fond memories of racing in Bahrain, having claimed the only pole position of his career in Sakhir whilst driving for BMW in 2008.

He’ll be joined in FP1 by another guest driver, with Roy Nissany set to make his third FP1 appearance of the season for Williams, the 25-year-old Israeli having performed the same duties in Spain and Italy.