Kubica to drive for BMW in DTM rookies test
Ex-williams Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica was due to drive for BMW in the DTM rookie test at Jerez that begins today (Wednesday).
Kubica, who has been replaced by Nicholas Latifi at Williams for 2020 following a challenging F1 comeback, has already outlined his ambition to combine an F1 simulator role with a racing programme elsewhere.
Kubica’s management had been in touch with Audi as it evaluated his post-f1 future but Audi motorsport boss Dieter Gass has since indicated the manufacturer is likely to retain its line-up for 2020. But BMW, which lost to Audi in all three titles in 2019, is undergoing a review of its structure and driver line-up, potentially opening the door to a race seat after Kubica indicated a DTM switch was likely.
Kubica has tested a DTM car before, having driven a V8-powered Mercedes in
2013 in a test that impressed the manufacturer.
“I would like to thank BMW Motorsport for the opportunity to test at Jerez with the BMW M4 DTM,” said Kubica, who raced for BMW Sauber in F1 between 2006 and ’09.
“I am already very much looking forward to the test and to getting to know the DTM race car with its turbo engine. I can well imagine a future in the DTM.
“I am looking for a new challenge, and the DTM is certainly just that. The series has a top-class field and the standard of driving is extremely high. However, we must first wait and see how I get on at the test.”
Briton Nick Yelloly is due to test alongside Kubica, while sometime Indycar driver Ed Jones headlines Audi’s rookie contingent.