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Kubica and sponsor PKN ORLEN join Alfa Romeo Racing!

Robert Kubica will extend his career in Formula 1 this year, albeit as a reserve driver for Alfa Romeo Racing which has also signed up PKN ORLEN as a co-title sponsor for 2020.

Kubica's miraculous return to F1 last year with Williams was helped by the Polish oil company's lavish support.

But despite the 34-year-old's departure from the Grove-based outfit, PKN ORLEN was eager to retain a presence in F1, and has chosen Alfa Romeo Racing as its new partner.

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The Swiss outfit will compete this season under the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN banner.

"The exciting new partnership with PKN ORLEN is a statement of intent for both parties," explained Alfa team boss Frédéric Vasseur.

"It is proof of the ambition of our common project and of our desire to compete at the very top of Formula One. PKN ORLEN support for excellence finds a perfect partner in our team.

"We are also delighted to welcome Robert back home and we cannot wait to start working with him.

"He is a driver that needs no introduction: one of the most brilliant in his generation and one who displayed the true meaning of human determination in his fight to return to racing after his rallying accident.

"His feedback will be invaluable as we continue to push our team towards the front of the grid."

Alfa Romeo has retained Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi for 2020. However, Kubica is no stranger to the Hinwil-based squad, having started his career as a Grand Prix driver in 2006 when the team raced as BMW Sauber and winning the Canadian GP with the Swiss outfit in 2008.

"I am really happy to be starting this new chapter in my career as I join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN.

"This team holds a special place in my heart and I am pleased to see some faces still here from my years in Hinwil.

"Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed.

"I am looking forward to helping Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN make the next step forward."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.