Williams has confirmed Sergey Sirotkin and Robert Kubica will join Lance Stroll in their line-up for the two-day Pirelli test to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit following this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Italian tyre supplier will be working alongside all 10 Formula 1 teams conducting extensive running on the different compounds which are being considered for 2018, with at least six to be used, including a new soft tyre. It will also offer the teams the chance to gather important data from the different compounds which will help towards the development of their cars for next season.
At Williams, the inclusion of Kubica was expected amid the ever-growing rumours he is set to replace Felipe Massa for next season. It will mark the third appearance for the Pole with the Grove team in the last six weeks but will be the first time he has driven in the 2017 car.
The 32-year-old will begin and conclude the two days of running starting on Tuesday morning before handing over to Stroll for the afternoon. Sirotkin, who has completed several appearances with Renault this season, will start on Wednesday morning before handing back to Kubica for the final few hours.
The inclusion of Sirotkin is a surprise but could indicate the Russian has joined the list of alternatives to the former Grand Prix winner with names like Paul di Resta, Daniil Kvyat and Pascal Wehrlein also believed to be under consideration, even if Kubica is the heavy favourite.
