Marathon man Kubica 'getting old' but still able to do it

©AlfaRomeo

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Alfa Romeo reserve Robert Kubica raked up the miles as a proper marathon man in Barcelona this week where the Pole took part in two days of development work with Pirelli related to the manufacturer's 2022 18-inch tyres.

Kubica, who was joined at the two-day test by Red Bull's Alex Albon and Alpine's Daniil Kvyat, completed a total of 240 laps of the Circuit de Catalunya, putting Pirelli's new-spec rubber through a distance of more than three and a half races!

The 36-year-old, whose technical feedback has always been valued, admitted that it had been a tough two days grinding around the track onboard Alfa's C38B mule car.

But the 2008 Canadian GP winner had no physical issues to report and was delighted to contribute to Pirelli's development program

©AlfaRomeo

"It’s been two very busy but productive days," he said. "It’s always interesting to discover new features of the car, especially when it’s something as important as the tyres.

"These are our team’s first steps with the new 18-inch tyres so there is a lot to learn.

"We covered lots of laps, lots of miles and got a lot of data that will keep everyone busy.

Read also: Pirelli focused on compounds in Barcelona after finalizing construction

"It’s been a tough two days: I hadn’t been in the car for a while before last Friday and to run for two days on such a demanding track was a challenge, but one we happily completed with success."

After taking part in last week's FP1 session in Spain, Kubica is expected to be handed more Friday outings this season with Alfa Romeo.

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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.