Kubica behind the wheel for two sessions in Barcelona

©WRI2

Williams reserve driver Robert Kubica will run in two afternoon sessions next week in Barcelona, in the first installment of pre-season testing for Formula 1 teams.

The Grove-based outfit has split its workload between Kubica and full-time drivers Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin.

The Canadian will start Williams' programme with its new FW41 on Monday morning with Sirotkin taking over in the afternoon.

The 22-year-old rookie will resume work on Tuesday morning before handing over Williams' new car to Kubica after the lunch break.

Stroll and Kubica will share the day on Wednesday before Stroll and Sirotking conclude the week on Thursday.

The 33-year old Polish driver was in contention for the coveted seat at Williams alongside Stroll but was ultimately discarded in favor of Sirotkin.

As the team's reserve and development driver, Kubica will enjoy three FP1 outings later this year in addition to undertaking simulator and testing work.

With all three Williams drivers running next week at the Circuit de Catalunya, although perhaps not in similar conditions, it will be interesting to see how they compare, or how Kubica fares against the man who beat him to a drive he was almost convinced he had secured.

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