Kubica signs for Renault
Discussion
Just heard on BBC.................more to follow
Autosport
Renault has confirmed that Robert Kubica will replace the Ferrari-bound Fernando Alonso as its lead driver in 2010.
The 24-year-old Polish driver moves to Renault having spent his whole Formula 1 career so far at BMW Sauber.
Team boss Bob Bell said Renault had been eyeing Kubica for some time.
"Ever since Robert made his grand prix debut in 2006, he has been on our radar as one of the most naturally talented drivers of his generation and he has delivered on that promise so it's great to have secured him in one of our cars next season," said Bell.
"Renault has high ambitions and hopes for the future of the team and we feel that Robert can play a big role in fulfilling them."
Kubica actually made his F1 testing debut with Renault four years ago, when he was given a test as a reward for winning the 2005 World Series by Renault title. But he was not offered a deal by the team, and instead went to BMW.
"I am very happy I will be joining Renault in the 2010 season," said Kubica. "I feel I have a special connection with this team because in 2005 I won the
World Series by Renault. This gave me the chance to test with the team in Barcelona, which led to my debut in Formula 1.
"I share with Renault a strong winning mentality and feel comfortable with their friendly and open attitude. I’m highly motivated and optimistic that together we can be at the front of the grid next year and hopefully fighting for the world title."
Kubica finished on the podium in only his third grand prix, and went on to take his sole victory to date in Canada in 2008 - a result that helped him mount a surprise world championship challenge.
Kubica expected to be a title contender from the outset in 2009, but the BMW Sauber F1.09 proved uncompetitive, and the manufacturer announced in the summer that it will pull out of F1 at the end of the year. Although the team has been bought by the Qadbak group, its future remains uncertain as it does not currently have a 2010 entry.
Planet f1's view on Kubica
Kubica Benefits From Quality Shortfall
An indication of the quality shortfall in this year's driver market is the popularity of Kubica. He may be a talented driver but the big-money offers made by Renault and Toyota for his services are more than the Pole's results deserve.
Since his victory in Canada eighteen months ago, Kubica has stagnated and his attitude, on occasion, has been questionable. He lacks the star appeal of a Hamilton or a Alonso and has provided no evidence of team-leadership skills either. Beaten by his team-mate this weekend, he trails Nick Heidfeld, hardly the toughest in-house opponent in F1, by nine points to fifteen.
It would be an exaggeration to describe Kubica's popularity as perplexing because he is clearly benefiting from the shortage of top-class talent in the sport. But it's worthy of reflection because it underlines just how average the average driver currently in F1 actually is.
Autosport
Renault has confirmed that Robert Kubica will replace the Ferrari-bound Fernando Alonso as its lead driver in 2010.
The 24-year-old Polish driver moves to Renault having spent his whole Formula 1 career so far at BMW Sauber.
Team boss Bob Bell said Renault had been eyeing Kubica for some time.
"Ever since Robert made his grand prix debut in 2006, he has been on our radar as one of the most naturally talented drivers of his generation and he has delivered on that promise so it's great to have secured him in one of our cars next season," said Bell.
"Renault has high ambitions and hopes for the future of the team and we feel that Robert can play a big role in fulfilling them."
Kubica actually made his F1 testing debut with Renault four years ago, when he was given a test as a reward for winning the 2005 World Series by Renault title. But he was not offered a deal by the team, and instead went to BMW.
"I am very happy I will be joining Renault in the 2010 season," said Kubica. "I feel I have a special connection with this team because in 2005 I won the
World Series by Renault. This gave me the chance to test with the team in Barcelona, which led to my debut in Formula 1.
"I share with Renault a strong winning mentality and feel comfortable with their friendly and open attitude. I’m highly motivated and optimistic that together we can be at the front of the grid next year and hopefully fighting for the world title."
Kubica finished on the podium in only his third grand prix, and went on to take his sole victory to date in Canada in 2008 - a result that helped him mount a surprise world championship challenge.
Kubica expected to be a title contender from the outset in 2009, but the BMW Sauber F1.09 proved uncompetitive, and the manufacturer announced in the summer that it will pull out of F1 at the end of the year. Although the team has been bought by the Qadbak group, its future remains uncertain as it does not currently have a 2010 entry.
Planet f1's view on Kubica
Kubica Benefits From Quality Shortfall
An indication of the quality shortfall in this year's driver market is the popularity of Kubica. He may be a talented driver but the big-money offers made by Renault and Toyota for his services are more than the Pole's results deserve.
Since his victory in Canada eighteen months ago, Kubica has stagnated and his attitude, on occasion, has been questionable. He lacks the star appeal of a Hamilton or a Alonso and has provided no evidence of team-leadership skills either. Beaten by his team-mate this weekend, he trails Nick Heidfeld, hardly the toughest in-house opponent in F1, by nine points to fifteen.
It would be an exaggeration to describe Kubica's popularity as perplexing because he is clearly benefiting from the shortage of top-class talent in the sport. But it's worthy of reflection because it underlines just how average the average driver currently in F1 actually is.
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Wednesday 7th October 13:09
i'd disagree with that - a shortage of top class talent? we've probably got the most decent drivers together in the sport, racing in decent teams, that we've had for a very long time. and i think to say that he's been beaten by heidfled says more about how nick is under-rated than kubi is over-rated.
i hope that renault build him a decent car, he does perhaps lack a bit of raw agression and racy attitude but i think he's still a top driver, and he'll do well given the machinery.
i hope that renault build him a decent car, he does perhaps lack a bit of raw agression and racy attitude but i think he's still a top driver, and he'll do well given the machinery.
Hmm, I wondering if renault is the best place to be for a driver of kubicas potential.
The fall out from crashgate, with the loss of two key personnel- pat symonds being regarded as one of the best in his field and flabio- all else aside the man was astute enough to seek out capable people and build a winning team- makes me wonder how long renault will spend picking up the pieces.
The gamble could go either way of course and kubica could be being hailed as helping to rebuild the team in a year or so's time, but for my money I there's several teams more desirable to a driver than renault right now.
The fall out from crashgate, with the loss of two key personnel- pat symonds being regarded as one of the best in his field and flabio- all else aside the man was astute enough to seek out capable people and build a winning team- makes me wonder how long renault will spend picking up the pieces.
The gamble could go either way of course and kubica could be being hailed as helping to rebuild the team in a year or so's time, but for my money I there's several teams more desirable to a driver than renault right now.
What the hell are PlanetF1 banging on about? Yet another worthless F1 site without a clue.
Nick Heidfeld - hardly the toughest in-house opponent? Really? Quick Nick is one of the best guys out there. He stayed with Kimi in the fins first season, many saying that he should have been in the Mclaren in 2002. He's solid rather than spectaular, makes few mistakes and can drive round most issues better than anyone. It's to his absolute credit that he's shown Kubica the way this year, that's down to his experience rather than a poor show by Bobby.
Kubica is fast. In practice for his first F1 start at Silverstone he looked awesome, leaning on the car heavily in Becketts. Last year he stayed with Massa and Hamilton through most of the title race and is a real talent.
As for a shortage of talent? What the hell are they talking about. Vattel and Webber have been ideal this year, Kimi is still uber quick and Massa has been shown to be a bit good to. Hamilton is highly rated, Kubica is great, Heidfeld is still fast, Alonso is one of the greats. Button is showing his worth as well as a bunch of others. When did we ever have this many decent drivers in F1?
Nick Heidfeld - hardly the toughest in-house opponent? Really? Quick Nick is one of the best guys out there. He stayed with Kimi in the fins first season, many saying that he should have been in the Mclaren in 2002. He's solid rather than spectaular, makes few mistakes and can drive round most issues better than anyone. It's to his absolute credit that he's shown Kubica the way this year, that's down to his experience rather than a poor show by Bobby.
Kubica is fast. In practice for his first F1 start at Silverstone he looked awesome, leaning on the car heavily in Becketts. Last year he stayed with Massa and Hamilton through most of the title race and is a real talent.
As for a shortage of talent? What the hell are they talking about. Vattel and Webber have been ideal this year, Kimi is still uber quick and Massa has been shown to be a bit good to. Hamilton is highly rated, Kubica is great, Heidfeld is still fast, Alonso is one of the greats. Button is showing his worth as well as a bunch of others. When did we ever have this many decent drivers in F1?
CampDavid said:
What the hell are PlanetF1 banging on about? Yet another worthless F1 site without a clue.
Nick Heidfeld - hardly the toughest in-house opponent? Really? Quick Nick is one of the best guys out there.
Fully agree on both points.Nick Heidfeld - hardly the toughest in-house opponent? Really? Quick Nick is one of the best guys out there.
Nick is one of the most consistent drivers who can get the most out of their machinery every time they drive.
Heidfeld would be a good No2 at McLaren next year.
Heidfeld would be the perfect number 2. He probably won't rattle Lewis but he'll push him a bit while his relabilty record shows he's a proper driver. Renault could well be wise to sign him, though a German and a Pole are probably not there ideal game plan. Williams? I'd take Nick over Rubens
hairyben said:
Hmm, I wondering if renault is the best place to be for a driver of kubicas potential.
The fall out from crashgate, with the loss of two key personnel- pat symonds being regarded as one of the best in his field and flabio- all else aside the man was astute enough to seek out capable people and build a winning team- makes me wonder how long renault will spend picking up the pieces.
The gamble could go either way of course and kubica could be being hailed as helping to rebuild the team in a year or so's time, but for my money I there's several teams more desirable to a driver than renault right now.
kubica would have been great at Mclaren, he would have given Lewis a run for his money, I know that mush.The fall out from crashgate, with the loss of two key personnel- pat symonds being regarded as one of the best in his field and flabio- all else aside the man was astute enough to seek out capable people and build a winning team- makes me wonder how long renault will spend picking up the pieces.
The gamble could go either way of course and kubica could be being hailed as helping to rebuild the team in a year or so's time, but for my money I there's several teams more desirable to a driver than renault right now.
Edited by BBS-LM on Wednesday 7th October 17:16
Ralf Rockefeller said:
+1 to the above.
Always been a fan of Nicks drving style, and a excellent number 2/ points scorer.
Kubica- good, but still needs to prove himself; one good year is not enough to warrant him in the same class as Ham boy, Alonso etc.
Many thought - and bid for - KR on the basis of only a handful of races Always been a fan of Nicks drving style, and a excellent number 2/ points scorer.
Kubica- good, but still needs to prove himself; one good year is not enough to warrant him in the same class as Ham boy, Alonso etc.
skinny said:
i'd disagree with that - a shortage of top class talent? we've probably got the most decent drivers together in the sport, racing in decent teams, that we've had for a very long time.
Japan qualifying last weekend should have told you everything you need to know on that score. Holy crap I think a bunch of blind one legged chimpanzees could have done better.Tyranosawus said:
skinny said:
i'd disagree with that - a shortage of top class talent? we've probably got the most decent drivers together in the sport, racing in decent teams, that we've had for a very long time.
Japan qualifying last weekend should have told you everything you need to know on that score. Holy crap I think a bunch of blind one legged chimpanzees could have done better.skinny said:
umm ok except heikki...! oh, and glock
Not to forget Webber, Buemi (twice), and the other bloke racing for STR. I haven't laughed so much for years. It confirmed what I'd suspected for a while, Put this new rabble on a proper track (not a Herman the German POS track) and they haven't got a clue. 
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