Alfa Romeo and Robert Kubica shakedown the C41 in Spain

Kubica shakes down the C41 — Photo: © LAT Images

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo and Kubica shakedown the C41 in Spain

Reserve driver Kubica is the first to try out the C41

Sam Hall

Friday 26 February 2021 18:27

Alfa Romeo has completed one of its allotted filming days to shakedown the C41 with reserve driver Robert Kubica at the wheel.

The team that launched the C41 in an extravagant ceremony in Poland on Monday, today took to the track with the new car for the first time.

Kubica completed 29 laps, mostly of the 'short layout' of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and with no reliability issues.

“It’s always a special moment to be the first to drive a new car," said Kubica.

"Today’s focus was on making sure everything worked as planned and to ensure all systems were functional, so performance was not an objective, but the thrill of driving a car like this isn’t diminished.

"The car felt good and I am looking forward to driving it once again later in the season.”

Team principal Frédéric Vasseur expressed his satisfaction with the day's running.

“Today’s work is a crucial step in our preparations for the season and I’m pleased to report the day went as planned," said Vasseur.

Article continues under video

"We were able to perform all the checks we set out to do and now we can focus on analysing these first bits of data and prepare for the next test in two weeks’ time.”

The car will next take to the track for the pre-season test in Bahrain from March 12-14, with drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi at the wheel.

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

What is TPC in F1?

10 minutes ago

F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2026 Schedule: Full Montreal timetable and start times

50 minutes ago

Rogue Safety Car causes carnage after triggering big crash

1 hour ago

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'now Ferrari No. 2', Christian Horner comments spark driver move rumours

1 hour ago

F1 star becomes first driver to lap new Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid (and leaves pundit terrified)

2 hours ago

Red Bull taking Max Verstappen F1 exit threat 'very seriously' as replacement emerges