Alfa Romeo reserve Robert Kubica will continue to deputize for Kimi Raikkonen at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix as the Finn hasn't been cleared to race after testing positive for Covid last week.
Raikkonen ran in both Friday practice sessions at Zandvoort, but the Iceman's PCR test came back positive early on Saturday morning, which led to Kubica being called up and short notice and taking part in his first F1 race since his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Williams in 2019.
However, the 36-year-old Pole had taken part in several free practice sessions with Alfa this season, but a return to the fray on Zandvoort's twisty and very physical layout was a challenge but one in which Kubica acquitted himself well given the circumstances, finishing last Sunday's race P15.
"First of all, I want to share my best wishes for Kimi: I hope he makes a full recovery and returns to the cockpit soon," said Kubica.
"I am looking forward to racing in Monza, an incredible track in which I claimed my first podium, in 2006.
"Unlike Zandvoort, it is a track I know well and this will help, particularly since the Sprint Qualifying weekend format means we will be one practice session short.
"I am happy with what I did in Holland and I can’t wait to help the team out one more time in Monza."
Regarding Raikkonen, Alfa stated that the Finn is still isolating at home. The 41-year-old, who will retire at the end of the season, should be on the grid in Sochi to begin his final series of races in F1.
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