Alfa Romeo retain Kubica and ORLEN into new F1 era

Sam Hall
Wednesday 24 November 2021 11:52 - Updated: 12:08

Alfa Romeo has confirmed the extension of its partnership with title sponsor ORLEN and test and reserve driver Robert Kubica into 2022.

Formula 1 will race to radically new technical regulations next year with the team opting to field a completely fresh driver line-up as Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou replace Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

However, beyond these changes, the team has decided to keep relative stability with Kubica extending his contract into a third season.

The announcement of Kubica's new deal came as the team also confirmed a new deal with title sponsor PKN Orlen, a Polish state oil refiner and petrol retailer.

"I am very happy that we will represent Poland together in the pinnacle of motorsport," said Kubica.

"With no doubt, the upcoming season will be full of challenges, but hopefully there will be many interesting races and lots of emotions.

"So see you on the race track and keep your fingers crossed."

A special message from a special person... 😀💬 pic.twitter.com/ZasACQJQKh

— Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN (@alfaromeoracing) November 24, 2021

Kubica has twice featured in a race capacity this season when standing in for Raikkonen in the Netherlands and at Monza after the Finn tested positive for Covid-19.

It is expected Kubica will once again complete a racing programme away from Formula 1 during the season with -year-old winning the European Le Mans title this season with WRT.

“We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with PKN ORLEN into its third year," said team principal Frédéric Vasseur.

"ORLEN are an instantly recognisable brand in a vast and growing market and they have proven a loyal supporter of the team; their presence underlines and reinforces our resolve to be one of the most attractive teams in the sport for global brands.

"Most importantly, we share a commitment to constant improvement, whether on track or in their business, and we are determined to keep growing together.

"Their activation campaign has been of the first order, reaching fans all over Europe and expanding access to the team and the world of Formula One and we can’t wait to unveil the next stages in this programme."