Alfa's Kubica to replace Bottas in FP1 at Paul Ricard

©AlfaRomeo

Alfa Romeo has handed Robert Kubica his second FP1 outing of the season at this week's French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard where the Pole will replace Valtteri Bottas in Friday's opening session.

Kubica was on track last May at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, but the F1 veteran's technical feedback is always appreciated by his team which is seeking to rebound after a pair of difficult and pointless races at Silverstone and at the Red Bull Ring.

"We did not manage to score any points in these outings, but the team has been working hard to understand the causes of our performance and we are confident we can get back to the level we have been enjoying this season so far," commented Alfa team boss Frederic Vasseur.

"The midfield is getting tighter and closer race after race and this is producing some hugely entertaining battles, but our objective is to finish on top of this scrap.

"We finished just outside the top ten in Austria, and to improve on that should be our starting point for this weekend."

Solid points delivered by Bottas in the first half of the season has positioned Alfa P6 in the Constructors' standings, the team's best ranking since it's been racing under the Alfa Romeo banner.

Read also: Alfa Romeo seeking 'solution' for Pourchaire FP1 outing

Although he'll be one practice session short compared to his colleagues when he lines up on the grid on Sunday, Bottas ambitions to "bring home a good result", and hopefully one that will make up for his recent disappointing races.

"We know we have to keep our confidence high: our target this weekend, just like any other, is to bring home a good result," said the Finn.

"I was disappointed to finish just outside the points in Spielberg, but the positive was a good recovery from a pitlane start and some good battles.

"The midfield fight is going to be once again very close and, just as last year, when we had some pretty good overtakes, the race should be an entertaining one.

"We need to put our focus onto doing our best job on track and get back where we belong: in the points."

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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.