Alfa Romeo hands final FP1 session and test to Kubica

Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica will take part in his fifth FP1 outing of the year this week in Abu Dhabi, but the Pole will also drive for the team in next week's post-season test.

Kubica clocked up FP1 mileage onboard Alfa's C39 in Styria, Hungary, Britain and recently in Bahrain.

The 36-year-old, for whom this Friday's outing may be his last at an F1 Grand Prix, will take over Antonio Giovinazzi's car, with the Italian resuming his duties in FP2.

©AlfaRomeo

On Tuesday, Kubica will line up at Yas Marina alongside Ferrari junior and FIA F2 Championship runner-up Callum Ilott.

"Every time I get to drive this car is an opportunity to bring something to the team, and I am particularly looking forward to being able to do so just two weeks after my last outing in Bahrain," Kubica said.

"Being behind the wheel this often allows me to build up a consistent feel with the car and that, in turns, helps me deliver better feedback to the team.

"Both sessions, FP1 and the post-season test, will be very useful and I am looking forward to them."

Read also: Sainz denied Abu Dhabi test with Ferrari by FIA

Alfa team boss Frédéric Vasseur praised Kubica's contribution to the Hinwil squad's program in F1 this year.

"The season may be winding down, but there is still a lot of work to do and every opportunity to put the car on track is important," he said.

"To have someone with the skills and technical attitude of Robert will help us get the most out of the day: he has been a really precious asset throughout the season and will be so in these final outings of 2020 as well."

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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.