Kubica, Alfa’s reserve driver from 2021, has already driven his C41 car in a shakedown event ahead of pre-season testing on the Barcelona track.
Last month, in the same location, Kubica also won the opening race of the European Le Mans Series of the 2021 season and shared an LMP2 ORECA 07-Gibson Louis Deletraz and Yifei Ye for the WRT squad.
Kubica will take over Kimi Raikkonen’s car for FP1 on Friday, followed by Antonio Giovinazzi, who made way for Callum Ilott in the same session for the Portuguese GP last weekend.
On the Tuesday and Wednesday after the Spanish GP, Alfa, together with Alpine and Red Bull, will complete the tests on Pirelli’s 18-inch tires – although Alpine will not run until the test opens.
“I’m looking forward to being back in the car this Friday and next week,” said Kubica.
“Having last driven the C41 in Barcelona in February, I’m excited to see how far the car has come since then – both in terms of upgrades and the team’s understanding of the package.
“Driving a Formula 1 car is always a special experience and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s performance in midfield.
“Plus, driving the new 18-inch tires will be a new experience and the first taste of the new world that will emerge next year.”
Fred Vasseur, Alfa team principal, added: “It’s great to have Robert back in the car for his first practice session of the season and the Barcelona test.
“Every time he gets into the car, it is valuable for us to use his extensive experience and get a different perspective on the C41.
“His technical feedback will also be of crucial importance on his runs on the 2022 tires.
“We are in the middle of a very close battle in midfield and any contribution from our talented driver pool can be the secret weapon that gives us the advantage to move forward.”
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