Poland's Kubica joins Alfa Romeo Racing with PKN Orlen as sponsor

2020-01-01 16:26 update: 2020-01-06, 19:37
Robert Kubica. Photo PAP/EPA/Fernando Bizerra jr
Robert Kubica. Photo PAP/EPA/Fernando Bizerra jr
Poland's biggest petroleum company PKN Orlen has become a title sponsor of Alfa Romeo Racing in Formula 1's 2020 season, with the country's driver Robert Kubica joining the Alfa Romeo team, PKN Orlen announced on Wednesday.

PKN Orlen's logo will be the main element of the vehicle and suit branding and the conglomerate's name will be used in Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN's official communication.

PKN Orlen and the team will also cooperate in organising youth driver training, to be run by Sauber Motorsport, according to the company's statement.

"In sport as in business, consistency is crucial. When last year we supported the return of Robert Kubica to Formula 1, we knew that we were creating the history of sport, but we were also opening a new chapter in the history of ORLEN brand." the Polish company's CEO Daniel Obajtek was cited as saying.

Obajtek also said Orlen's brand recognition had significantly increased over the last year due to the company's sponsorship of Kubica.

“I am really happy to be starting this new chapter in my career as I join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This team holds a special place in my heart and I am pleased to see some faces still here from my years in Hinwil. Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed. I am looking forward to helping Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN make the next step forward.” Kubica was quoted as saying in a statement published on the Sauber Group website

In November 2018, PKN Orlen became an official partner of Formula 1's Williams Martini Racing team, with Kubica as its driver.

Kubica is the first Pole to race in Formula 1. His F1 career started in 2006, but was abruptly interrupted by a near-fatal rally accident in early 2011. An F1 race in Australia in March 2019 marked his comeback to top-class motor racing.

Italy's Antonio Giovinazzi and Finland's Kimi Raikkonen will remain Alfa Romeo's main drivers. (PAP)

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