Kubica Makes Form-Perfect Comeback

Topics:  Robert Kubica, French Grand Prix

Anthony Fontanelle
July 4, 2007

Going into the French Grand Prix, BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica is expected to be hesitant after his crash at the Canadian Grand Prix. But the Polish Formula One driver showed that he was unfazed by his high speed, high impact crash which sidelined him for the United States Grand Prix.

During the qualifying sessions, the Pole recorded the fourth fastest lap time thus giving him the opportunity to make up lost time by starting in the second row. During the qualifying session, Kubica who survived a 75-G impact is visibly excited to be back behind the BMW Sauber car.

After the qualifying session, the Pole who is being invited to testify that his survival in Canadian Grand Prix is a miracle of the late Pope John Paul II has this to say: “It was good, a positive weekend and I am happy the car is working well. I was happy about the balance of the car yesterday, and again today as we have improved it and this morning's lap times were very consistent.”

“I think a better result than this wasn't possible, but I feel we are in good shape for the race, although I think Renault here are closer to us than we are to Ferrari. Overtaking here is very difficult and that was why it was very important to qualify in front. I think we have to make a good start and keep up our speed for the whole race,” Kubica added.

But during the race, Kubica performed so well that neither of the two Renault racers was able to catch him. He finished fourth behind the two Ferrari contenders and McLaren’s Hamilton. The fourth place finish that Kubica took at the French Grand Prix ties his highest finish this season and of his entire Formula One career as well. Finishing just outside of the top three, Kubica was given four points which gave him 17 points in all this season. He is currently sixth in the drivers’ championship standings behind Hamilton, McLaren’s Alonso, Ferrari’s Massa and Raikkonen and teammate Nick Heidfeld.

In a race expected to be made exciting by rain where a BMW wiper blade would come in handy if they are ever permitted, Kubica showed a form-perfect return to the track.

His performance of course does not go unnoticed as shown by the reaction of BMW Sauber team boss Mario Theissen. “Robert put in a very good performance on his comeback and took fourth place, which this year seems to belong to us,” said Theissen.

Kubica’s teammate Nick Heidfeld finished fifth which gave BMW Sauber a total of nine points in the race. “We didn't only score nine points, which was our best team result so far, but we also strengthened our third place in the constructors' championship,” said Theissen.

As for Kubica, he thinks that the race at the Circuit de Nevers in Magny-Cours is a quiet one but overall, a good result or him and the team. “It was a very quiet race.” After his spectacular crash in Canada, the race mired with few accidents is not as raucous as the Canadian Grand Prix.

“The car was very good, physically I am a hundred per cent and mentally too, and I could do another race now,” said Kubica who is visibly excited for the next race on Sunday at Silverstone.

Source:  Amazines.com