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Robert Kubica

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Template:F1 driver

Robert Kubica (IPA: ['Robert Ku'bee'tsa], listenⓘ; born: December 7, 1984 in Kraków, Poland) is the first Polish racing driver to compete in Formula One. From 2006 he has driven for the BMW Sauber F1 team, promoted from test driver to race driver during 2006. On June 8, 2008 in the Canadian Grand Prix where he was considered to be the favorite, he achieved his maiden F1 victory, becoming the 99th F1 racer to win a Formula one Grand Prix. At the present time Robert Kubica is already considered the best technical driver on the entire Formula one circuit by Bernie Ecclestone himself.

Career

Pre-Formula One

Karting

Kubica developed his love for all kinds of cars at the young age of four when he spotted a small off-road vehicle, powered by a 4 bhp gasoline engine. After long talks with his parents, his father Artur Kubica, bought him the car and young Kubica spent long hours driving around plastic bottles. As he got older, it became apparent that better equipment might be usefull, his father bought him a go-kart. However, Robert was too young to start racing in the Polish Karting Championship as he was under the polish legal racing age of ten. With his father help they decided to move to racing more friendly Italy. After signing for championship within three years he won six titles. After his third season, Kubica decided to switch to a more competitive league in Italy. In 1998 Kubica became the first foreigner to win the International Italian Karting Championship.

Kubica also scored second place in the European Karting Championship and won the Monaco Kart Cup held on part of the Formula One Grand Prix track. A year later, he defended his title in Italy and also competed in the International German Karting Championship. He also won the Monaco Kart Cup for the second time in a row, as well as the Margutti Trophy and Elf Masters races. In 2000, his last season in karting, Robert scored fourth places in both the European and World Championships.

Formula Junior

|Formula Junior

Kubica with the Epsilon Euskadi team.

Kubica started his professional career in 2000, as a test driver for a Formula Renault 2000 car. During his first professional season in Formula Renault, Kubica scored his maiden pole position and also became a member of Renault's driver development program. In 2002 Kubica won four races and scored a second place in the Italian Formula Renault 2000. He was also seventh in the Formula Renault Eurocup. At the end of the year he took part in a Brazilian Formula Renault 2000 race held at the Interlagos circuit. This one-off appearance resulted in a dominant win.

After Formula Renault, Kubica moved to the Formula Three Euro Series. However, his move was delayed by a road accident, in which he was a passenger, which left him with a broken arm, and inserted 18 surgical titanium screws holding it together. At his delayed debut at Norisring, Kubica driving still with plastic brace, won that race. He finished the season in 12th place. At the end of the year, Kubica won a street race in Sardinia and came fifth in races held in Macau and South Korea. He completed his second season in the Formula 3 Euro Series, spent with the factory Mercedes team, in 7th position. In November 2004, he scored pole position in the Macau F3 Grand Prix, where he shattered the lap record, than finished second in that race.

In 2005 he won the World Series by Renault championship with the Epsilon Euskadi team, earning Formula One tests with Renault.

Formula One

2006

File:Kubica BMW1.jpg
Kubica driving the BMW Sauber F1.06 during Pre-Season testing in Barcelona.

In 2006 Kubica became the official third test driver for the [Sauber] racing [One] team.
[1]
His results in both Friday testing and private test sessions, along with the words of BMW Sauber's manager Mario Theissen, led to speculation that he would become Poland's first ever Formula One racing driver in 2007. In August 2006, Kubica's team-mate, Jacques Villeneuve, complained about headaches after his accident during the 2006 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim; With mediocre perormance below par, he was finally found to be unfit to race by the team management against his own belief.Robert Kubica was chosen by the team management to replace him in his first Formula One race at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest.[2][3] Kubica qualified ninth, beating more experienced team-mate Fast Nick- Nick Heidfeld. In that race, he finished in seventh place. He was, disqualified as the excessive tear and wear on his tires, causing the car to be underweight (minimum required weight 605 kg of car and driver at the weighting time after the race). The lack of experience on the part of Kubica's engineer Mehmi Ahmadi, who has not instructed Kubica to pick up some rubber of race track. [3] Villeneuve decided to leave the BMW Sauber team soon after the race,[4] and it looked certain that Kubica would stay on as Heidfeld's teammate until the end of the season and he might also drive for the team next year. This was confirmed after a BMW spokesperson told reporters that: "Robert Kubica will drive in the remaining races of the season. That is our current plan."[5]

Kubica as BMW Sauber's third driver at the 2006 United States Grand Prix.

Kubica had a more disappointing race in Turkey, finishing in 12th place after a mistake in tyre choice. Heidfeld, who was delayed in a first-corner accident, placed behind Kubica.

In his third race, the 2006 Italian Grand Prix, Kubica finished in third position, and became the first Polish driver to appear on a Formula One podium, as well as the first Polish driver to lead a Grand Prix. He is one of four drivers in the last decade to finish on the podium within his first three Formula One starts, the others being Ralf Schumacher (Argentina 1997), Alexander Wurz (Great Britain 1997), and Lewis Hamilton (Australia 2007).

In Kubica's fourth race, the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix, he finished 13th, again after a mistake in tyre choice. After going off track at the first turn of the race, he moved from 17th position to fifth, before pitting. He was the first to change to dry tyres from intermediates after the wet track started to dry. This decision was made too early: a very slow next lap in extremely wet and slippery conditions and another pit stop to change back to intermediates cost him his place in the points.

2007

Kubica's violent crash at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix.
Kubica driving for BMW Sauber at the 2007 British Grand Prix.

26/01/2008 Cuquerella to become Kubica's race engineer. At the begining of the 2007 season poorly performing Robert Kubica's race engineer an Iranian Mehmi Ahmadi. He was replaced in January 2008 by Former Racing Engineer Antonio Cuquerella who has left Super Aguri, where he was in charge of Anthony Davidson, to be the new race engineer of Robert Kubica at BMW-Sauber.

Despite with the unreliable gearbox on his race car Kubica performed well during the 2007 season. Ehen he finished, he was consistently in point scoring positions. At the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix Kubica had a serious crash approaching the hairpin on lap 27 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, in which his car went airborne and crashed after contact with Jarno Trulli's Toyota. [6] With damaged front wing the car became airborne. First the car clipped parked on the median with right front wheel car of Scott Speed, than at aproxmatelly 70 degree hit the 3,5 feet tall concreete wall. The car bounced of it, spun front to back, than barrell-rolls down upside down disintegrating in to pieces, flying backward crossed the race track. With only one wheel still on the car, the car came to rest on its right side after striking the 3 rail metal safety barrier on the outside of the hairpin. Kubica, under safety car conditions, was removed from the car and taken to the circuit's medical centre, where it was confirmed that he is in "stable" condition. No information regarding any potential injuries was known at this time. Shortly afterwards, his manager Daniele Morelli reasured that Kubica was conscious and talking.[citation needed] [7]
The onboard accident data recorder ADR is built in the BMW Sauber car, placed behind the driver below the fuel tank. The device, black box roughly 15 by 15 centimetres big, is capable of logging data from the whole race. After data from the onboard accident data recorder was studied at Indianapolis by former Lotus engineer Peter Wright, now head of the FIA safety commission, together with his colleagues Andy Mellor and Hubert Gramling, it was found that he had been subjected to a peak G-force of 75 G.[8] [9] Dr. Mario Theissen the BMW Motorsport Director, later confirmed that Robert was not seriously injured.[10] Dr. Mario Theissen visited Robert at the hospital, and than assured that Robert is retained by BMW Sauber, and that his contract is extended. Kubica during the crash crossed his arms against his chest, what prevented him not only from the wrist injuries. In a very dangerous accident at Nascar in February 2001 Dale Earnhardt sustained critical cranial injury. There is no doubt that Formula One cars are built with safety on mind. The use of Head and Neck System substantially increased the safety of drivers, despite the limitations of hed movement imposed by such devices. Formula One mandated HANS devices in 2001 after extensive testing, sharing the results with other FIA affiliates. Further reports from late evening on race day, directly from the hospital, confirmed that Kubica had suffered a light concussion alongside a sprained ankle. After being kept in overnight for observation, Kubica left hospital the following day.[11] On June 14 it was announced that due to precautions Kubica would not race at Indianapolis and would be replaced by his younget 19 years old test driver Sebastian Vettel.[12] After missing Indy, he returned to circuit starting at Magny-Cours where he qualified and finished in fourth place, receiving ITV broadcaster Martin Brundle's driver of the day award. He then went on to finish fourth again at the British Grand Prix.

2008

Kubica's retention as race driver for 2008 was confirmed on August 21 2007.[13] Kubica qualified second on the grid at the opening race of the 2008 season, the Australian Grand Prix, behind Lewis Hamilton. He retired from the race after a collision with Kazuki Nakajima.

Kubica won the first race of his F1 career at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.

In the Malaysian Grand Prix, Kubica finished second.

On April 5 2008 at the 2008 Bahrain Grand Prix, Kubica scored his first pole position of his Formula One career (also first pole for his team), narrowly beating Felipe Massa. He finished the race in third.

On May 25 2008 at the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix, Kubica finished second, after starting 5th on the grid.

On June 8 2008 at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, Kubica achieved his first ever victory after starting in 2nd, putting him in the Championship lead.[14] Kubica effectively won the race in the pit lane, first passing race leader Lewis Hamilton after the BMW pit crew completed a faster pitstop. Kubica and Kimi Räikkönen's Ferrari duly halted at the pit lane exit, waiting for the red pit exit light to change. However, Lewis Hamilton, running immediately behind them, missed the light and crashed into Räikkönen's Ferrari, eliminating both cars from the race. Kubica rejoined the race well positioned for the eventual victory.

Fast Nick as is called the second BMW Sauber pilot Nick Heidfeld, running the one stop strategy, briefly positioned himself in front of Kubica after a pit stop, but running a much heavier car, was easily overtaken by his flying team-mate with the lite car. Heidfeld then kept a charging Fernando Alonso at bay. The strategy of BMW Sauber required one more pit stop for Kubica. To beat Heidfield, Kubica needed to gain at least 24 seconds on his team-mate over 22 laps, and after the last pit stop he emerged just a second ahead of Heidfeld. Kubica's victory was never challenged for the remainder of the race, with BMW taking first and the second.

Kubica later kidded that he should thank Hamilton for electing to crash into Räikkönen instead of him.[15]

At the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours, Kubica finished 5th, reporting that this was a lost race, complaining about aerodynamic problems with the car.[citation needed]

On May 25 2008 at the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix, Kubica finished second, after starting 5th on the grid. On June 8 2008 at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, Kubica achieved his first ever victory after starting in 2nd, putting him in the Championship lead.[16] Kubica effectively won the race in the pit lane, first passing race leader Lewis Hamilton after the BMW pit crew completed a faster pitstop. Kubica and Kimi Räikkönen's Ferrari halted at the red light at the pit lane exit, waiting for the green pit exit light to come. Lewis Hamilton late from the service running attempting to catch them have had not realised the red light stop and rear ended into Räikkönen's Ferrari, eliminating both cars from the race. He consequently was hit by Nico Rosberg. On the green light Kubica happilly rejoined the race. [Nick Heidfeld]] in the second BMW Sauber, running a one stop fuel strategy, briefly positioned himself in front of Kubica after pit stop, but running a much heavier car, was overtaken by his lighter team-mate. Heidfeld then kept a charging Fernando Alonso at bay. The strategy of BMW Sauber required one more pit stop for Robert Kubica. To beat "Fast Nick", Robert needed to gain at minimum 24 seconds on Nick during 22 laps. Robert flown marvelously and after the last pit stop he emerged just a second ahead of Nick Heidfeld. At this moment, ahead of his team-mate, granted that there will be not another trouble on the track, at that point he almost assured himself the checkered flag. Kubica's victory was never challenged for the remainder of the race, with the lead and Nick Heidfeld behind him he just needed to finish the race, and his first well earned victory. That was a spectacular race with both BMW taking first and the second. *and Rosberg penalized for pit-lane collision
Kubica later kidded that he should thank Hamilton for electing to crash into Räikkönen instead of him.[17]
On June22 2008 at the 2008 French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours after modyfication of the car's aerodynamics Kubica's car was not properly tuned.

Racing record

Kubica testing the BMW Sauber F1.08 in January 2008.

Winnings

Crashes

Career summary

Season Series Team Name Races Poles Wins Points Final Placing
2001 Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup RC Motorsport 10 1 0 46 14th
Formula Renault 2000 Italy RC Motorsport 5 0 0 27 13th
2002 Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup RC Motorsport 8 1 0 80 7th
Formula Renault 2000 Italy RC Motorsport 10 3 4 188 2nd
Formula Renault 2000 Brazil RS2 1 1 1 ? ?
2003 Formula Three Euroseries Prema Powerteam 13 0 1 31 12th
British Formula Three Prema Powerteam 2 0 0 0 NC
Macau Grand Prix ? 1 0 0 N/A NC
Masters of Formula Three ? 1 0 0 N/A 33rd
F3 Korean Superprix Target Racing 1 0 0 N/A 6th
2004 Formula Three Euroseries Mücke Motorsport 20 0 0 53 7th
Macau Grand Prix Manor Motorsport 1 1 0 N/A 2nd
2005 World Series by Renault Epsilon Euskadi 17 3 4 154 1st
Macau Grand Prix Carlin Motorsport 1 0 0 N/A 2nd
2006 Formula One BMW Sauber 6 0 0 6 16th
2007 Formula One BMW Sauber 16 0 0 39 6th
2008 Formula One BMW Sauber 8 1 1 46 2nd*

* Season in progress

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 WDC Points
2006 BMW Sauber F1 Team BMW Sauber F1.06 BMW P86 2.4 V8 BHR
TD 		MAL
TD 		AUS
TD 		SMR
TD 		EUR
TD 		ESP
TD 		MON
TD 		GBR
TD 		CAN
TD 		USA
TD 		FRA
TD 		GER
TD 		HUN
DSQ 		TUR
12 		ITA
3 		CHN
13 		JPN
9 		BRA
9 		16th 6
2007 BMW Sauber F1 Team BMW Sauber F1.07 BMW P86/7 2.4 V8 AUS
Ret 		MAL
18 		BHR
6 		ESP
4 		MON
5 		CAN
Ret 		USA
Inj 		FRA
4 		GBR
4 		EUR
7 		HUN
5 		TUR
8 		ITA
5 		BEL
9 		JPN
7 		CHN
Ret 		BRA
5 		6th 39
2008 BMW Sauber F1 Team BMW Sauber F1.08 BMW P86/8 2.4 V8 AUS
Ret 		MAL
2 		BHR
3 		ESP
4 		TUR
4 		MON
2 		CAN
1 		FRA
5 		GBR
 GER
 HUN
 EUR
 BEL
 ITA
 SIN
 JPN
 CHN
 BRA
 2nd* 46*

* Season in progress

Miscellaneous

Kubica said in an interview that his sporting hero is English snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, which left the interviewer confused, wondering which driver he was. Kubica enjoys snooker and is a keen poker player.[18]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Robert Kubica is signed as test and substitute driver [1].
  2. ^ Test driver Kubica replaces Villeneuve in Budapest [2].
  3. ^ Kubica disqualified, Schumacher scores Formula1.com. Retrieved Unknown
  4. ^ Villeneuve parts company with BMW news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved Unknown
  5. ^ Kubica wird Saison zu Ende fahren F1Racing.net Template:De icon translated version. Retrieved 22 August 2006
  6. ^ "Reaction: Toyota, Red Bull and Honda". sportinglife.com. 2007-06-10. Retrieved 2008-06-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Mathias Brunner and Pablo Elizalde, Kubica's crash data disclosed". autosport.com. June 20th 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Text "Data showed the Pole impacted against the wall at 230 km/h, and the G-forces on Kubica peaked at around 75 G in a millisecond." ignored (help)
  8. ^ "Kubica's crash data disclosed". autosport.com. 2007-06-20. Retrieved 2008-06-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Canadian Grand Prix". news.bbc.co.uk. 2007-06-10. Retrieved 2008-06-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ "Unhurt Kubica to leave hospital on Monday". homeofsport.com. 2007-06-10. Retrieved 2008-06-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ "Kubica leaves hospital after crash in Montreal". iht.com. 2007-06-11. Retrieved 2007-06-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ "Vettel to replace Kubica at Indianapolis". autosport.com. 2007-06-14. Retrieved 2007-06-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Heidfeld and Kubica stay at BMW". news.bbc.co.uk. 2007-08-21. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7443153.stm
  15. ^ "Kubica celebrates first win as Hamilton rues pit-stop shunt". The Independent. 2008-06-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7443153.stm
  17. ^ "Kubica celebrates first win as Hamilton rues pit-stop shunt". The Independent. 2008-06-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ 'Kubica takes his cue from snooker's O'Sullivan', Reuters UK, January 14, 2008

References

All Formula One race and championship results are taken from:

  • Official Formula 1 Website. Archive: Results for 2006 - Present seasons Formula1.com. Retrieved 22 August 2006
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Robert Kubica.
Template:S-awards
Sporting positions
Preceded by World Series by Renault Champion
2005 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Lorenzo Bandini Trophy
2008 		Succeeded by
incumbent
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