Official: Renault signs Robert Kubica for 2010!

A second major driver has just left the transfer market; indeed, Robert Kubica will drive for Renault next season. He is replacing Fernando Alonso, who has moved to Ferrari.

“I’m very happy to be joining Renault for the 2010 season,” said Kubica. “I feel that I have a special bond with this team, because in 2005, I won the World Series By Renault. I was given the chance to test the car in Barcelona, which led to my debut in Formula 1,” added the Pole.

I share with Renault a winning mentality and I feel at ease with their friendliness and openness. I am very motivated and optimistic that we can be among the best next season. We hope to be able to fight for the world title, thinks Robert Kubica, with firmness and determination.

Many rumors brought the Polish driver to Renault, but Toyota had set its sights on the former BMW driver. The Japanese team finally admitted in Suzuka that they no longer had any chance of signing Kubica for their team.

“We are very happy to have signed Robert with the Renault F1 Team starting from next season,” says Bob Bell, the director of Renault, replacing Flavio Briatore. “Since Robert made his Grand Prix debut in 2006, we have been following him, as he is one of the most talented drivers of his generation. We are pleased to have him in one of our cars next season. Renault has big ambitions and hopes for the future of the team, and we believe that Robert will play a major role in achieving these results,” says Bob Bell.

The Polish driver Robert Kubica joined the Switzerland-based BMW Sauber team in 2006 as a test driver before taking Jacques Villeneuve’s place at the Hungarian Grand Prix during the course of the year. Kubica finished 4th in the World Championship in 2008 and also recorded his first victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal – one year after his terrible accident. After BMW decided to withdraw from F1, Kubica felt compelled to look for a new team.

The BMW Sauber team wanted to wish their driver good luck. Kubica, for his part, describes the years at BMW Sauber as unforgettable.

The announcement of Kubica’s transfer to Renault leaves Toyota’s management skeptical, as they will need to search for another leading driver for their number 1 seat. However, Renault has not confirmed the identity of Kubica’s teammate for the next season. Romain Grosjean is thus still under threat.