Apr.12 (GMM) Robert Kubica is to become the latest recipient of the annual Lorenzo Bandini trophy.

The award, officially titled the Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini, is an ongoing tribute to the leading Italian driver of his period, who was burned to death in an horror accident at Monaco in 1967.

Last year's winner was Felipe Massa, and before him Mark Webber, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Michael Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jenson Button, Jarno Trulli, Alex Wurz, Giancarlo Fisichella, Jacques Villeneuve and David Coulthard have also been honoured.

Kubica, the 22-year-old Pole who has been so impressive for BMW-Sauber in the early stages of the 2008 season, will receive the trophy from Bandini's widow in the town square of their home town, Brisighella, near Imola.

The event, dating back to 1992, usually takes place around May.

Kubica has a special relationship with Italy, having lived in the country and fluently learned the native tongue during his young karting days.