Kubica undecided on future motorsport path

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Robert Kubica is undecided on his future in motorsport, as the Alfa Romeo F1 reserve driver is looking for a new challenge in 2021 that could take him to the Nordschleife or to Le Mans.

This year Kubica dovetailed his reserve and development role in F1 with Alfa Romeo Racing with a campaign in the German DTM championship with private BMW outfit Orlen Team ART.

But Kubica's foray into the competitive series has so far left the Pole with little to show for his efforts, apart from a podium finish at Zolder last month.

Next year, the DTM series will abandon its Class 1 machines and transition to GT3-based cars, a prospect that Kubica does not find over exciting. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo will retain Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi next season but has yet to clarify its plans with regard to its reserve driver.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," said the 35-year-old, quoted by Speedweek. "Usually now is the time to see what can be done, but because of Corona everything has shifted a bit.

"The next few weeks will be crucial to see what is possible. I already have something in my head. We'll see if it's possible."

Kubica stopped short of offering any specifics, but he made clear that the DTM is not at the top of his priorities.

"I got into the DTM because of the Class 1 cars," he said. "Because of the feeling and what these cars can give a driver.

"I don't know at the moment whether I'll be there [in the DTM]. It's not something I'm looking at."

Read also - Raikkonen: Decision to extend stay in F1 'wasn't difficult'

However, given his experience of GT3 cars acquired in 2016 and 2017, Kubica could be interested in tackling the VLN Nordschleife championship, a series of nine races held exclusively at the Nürburgring's 20km historical track.

"Instead of driving in the DTM, I would prefer to do VLN races on the Nordschleife. It's a new challenge, I'd be a complete rookie."

Finally, Le Mans could also lure the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner towards La Sarthe next year.

"I wouldn't rule that out," he said. "But then with prototypes and not with GT cars."

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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.