The Alfa Romeo Racing team of the Formula One (F1) motorsport series has announced a co-title sponsorship agreement has been reached with Polish petroleum firm PKN Orlen.
As a result of the co-title deal, PKN Orlen’s branding is now set to feature on the team’s C39 car and on all Alfa Romeo official trackside assets. Moreover, the team is now set to compete under the name of Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen as from the start of the upcoming 2020 season.
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of Alfa Romeo Racing, commented: “The exciting new partnership with PKN Orlen is a statement of intent for both parties. It is proof of the ambition of our common project and of our desire to compete at the very top of Formula One.”
As well as the name change, the deal between the F1 team and the petroleum firm also sees Polish driver Robert Kubica, who is sponsored by PKN Orlen, return to the sport following confirmation earlier in 2019 that he would leave his previous racing outfit, ROKiT Williams Racing.
Kubica, who previously raced for the team between 2006 and 2009, joins the team as a reserve driver due to both main slots being occupied by Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi.
The Polish driver added: “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.”
Previously under the moniker of BMW Sauber, the team rebranded to Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2018 before fully taking over as Alfa Romeo Racing in 2019 when its deal was further upgraded. The latest change to Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen marks the team’s third name change in as many years.
Daniel Obajtek, the chief executive and president of Orlen’s management board, concluded: “Building global brand recognition has also allowed us to start the co-branding process, under which all European [petrol] stations of our network will ultimately operate under one brand.
“Today, we are taking another important step on this path by associating ourselves with a team that has enormous tradition and history. Robert Kubica, one of the fastest drivers in the world, remains our ambassador.”
