Kubica back in an F1 car

[LP670]

Schumacher would have been nowhere near a title shot in '97 if Hill was retained by Williams. It would have been a repeat of '96 but i still think Villeneuve would have won it.

[rottie102]

Guys, could you not start a seperate topic about all this interesting stuff that is NOT RELATED to R Kubica? 😉

[AndStilliRise]

rottie102 said:

Guys, could you not start a seperate topic about all this interesting stuff that is NOT RELATED to R Kubica? ??

TBF there is little Kubica news anyhow.

[thegreenhell]

The latest rumour is that Kubica is now expected to test for Williams again at the end of season tyre test in Abu Dhabi, driving this year's Williams car.

[HustleRussell]

I've listened to a lot of F1 podcasts this week, much to my surprise word in the paddock seems to be that Kubica to Williams for 2018 is all but a done deal.

[andycaca]

I watched the Sky F1 qually show yesterday and when Rob Smedley was interviewed his body language totally gave away that Kubica is to all intents and purposes signed for 2018 with Williams.

Did anyone else see the interview and come away with that impression? Smedders would be a really awful poker player!

[AndStilliRise]

andycaca said:

I watched the Sky F1 qually show yesterday and when Rob Smedley was interviewed his body language totally gave away that Kubica is to all intents and purposes signed for 2018 with Williams.

Did anyone else see the interview and come away with that impression? Smedders would be a really awful poker player!

Nice. You think he is paying for his seat?

[HustleRussell]

AndStilliRise said:

Nice. You think he is paying for his seat?

Don't know if you could say he's 'paying for the seat' as such but he is apparently bringing some kind of sponsorship package as most drivers do.

[andycaca]

AndStilliRise said:

Nice. You think he is paying for his seat?

I'm sure he is bringing a very healthy sponsorship package with him, there is tremendous goodwill and PR around his (for want of a better word) journey.

[AndStilliRise]

andycaca said:

AndStilliRise said:

Nice. You think he is paying for his seat?

I'm sure he is bringing a very healthy sponsorship package with him, there is tremendous goodwill and PR around his (for want of a better word) journey.

I wonder if will be able to best his younger team mate. I think Massa was usually ahead of him.

[DanielSan]

andycaca said:

I'm sure he is bringing a very healthy sponsorship package with him, there is tremendous goodwill and PR around his (for want of a better word) journey.

He had a lot of Polish backing through his time in F1, he’s a megastar in Poland and there’s a lot of big very wealthy companies who are willing to pay big to be associated with him

[skinny]

I really want this to be true. I think he was up there towards the top of the drivers and his determination and passion for racing has made this return even remotely possible - what a great story this could be. As long as he's still as quick as he was- wouldn't want to see him or the team having to make excuses - but then Kubica wouldn't want that either. He clearly believes he's ready again

[AndStilliRise]

skinny said:

I really want this to be true. I think he was up there towards the top of the drivers and his determination and passion for racing has made this return even remotely possible - what a great story this could be. As long as he's still as quick as he was- wouldn't want to see him or the team having to make excuses - but then Kubica wouldn't want that either. He clearly believes he's ready again

The issue is that he is returning to F1. In the modern era I think it works against you the longer the absence. I believe it is a sport for people coming up, i.e. teenagers who are determined to get faster and braver and willing to risk it all for a lap time. 2p worth.

[anonymous-user]

skinny said:

I really want this to be true. I think he was up there towards the top of the drivers and his determination and passion for racing has made this return even remotely possible - what a great story this could be. As long as he's still as quick as he was- wouldn't want to see him or the team having to make excuses - but then Kubica wouldn't want that either. He clearly believes he's ready again

As you say, a great story. I'd be happy to be proved wrong but for me it's just an example of Williams' lack of ambition and low expectations.

[skinny]

Well, Williams need to be realistic too. They aren't going to be in a championship winning position in the next few years. Why not get some good publicity and sponsorship whilst not having to justify any serious expectation. I don't think anyone is actually expecting Kubica to become WDC or even actually win a race... at least not in his first year back

It just takes the pressure off both sides. Imagine if Kubica went to Ferrari for example

[HustleRussell]

I've no doubt Kubica will perform as well as Massa and is apparently a very good development driver which the team sorely needs.

[LankySwatton]

The problem I have with Kubica coming back is just the fact that it seems unsustainable. I do understand it will be a great story from a marketing/PR perspective, but he’s in his mid-30s.

So even if he does get back on his feet relatively quickly, it’s not like he’s going to still be an option in a couple of years time.

Williams need a driver of 25yrs+ to fulfill Martini sponsorship criteria, which is fine - but think of how many reasonably available 25+yr olds are out there, with far more upside; a wealth of F2 prospects, WEC drivers, as well as some forgotten talents like Red Bull outcast Ant Felix Da Costa.

I guess Kubica would be a more satisfying choice than Di Resta, though...

[Frimley111R]

He's good for PR and F1 and Williams. If he stays a while and does well that'd be fine.

[thegreenhell]

I'm still predicting Kubica to get the drive, with either Kvyat or Werhlein as the reserve.

[HustleRussell]

LankySwatton said:

The problem I have with Kubica coming back is just the fact that it seems unsustainable. I do understand it will be a great story from a marketing/PR perspective, but he’s in his mid-30s.

So even if he does get back on his feet relatively quickly, it’s not like he’s going to still be an option in a couple of years time.

Williams need a driver of 25yrs+ to fulfill Martini sponsorship criteria, which is fine - but think of how many reasonably available 25+yr olds are out there, with far more upside; a wealth of F2 prospects, WEC drivers, as well as some forgotten talents like Red Bull outcast Ant Felix Da Costa.

I guess Kubica would be a more satisfying choice than Di Resta, though...

He's not quite as old as he looks. Turns 33 next month.

I like the Kubica comeback because of the remaining options Williams have shortlisted, Robert is probably the best for the wider sport. I will have fingers crossed for him. Everybody loves a triumph against adversity story. Also his appears a distinguished character who adds welcome colour to the paddock amidst seemingly ever younger competition who aren't always the most engaging characters.

Kvyat and Di Resta have had their shot. Still there are mutterings about Wehrlein's attitude. We know that Massa has given his best.

I do feel for the young drivers who fell by the wayside without ever really getting their shot in a competitive car. The Toro Rosso drivers situation shone a light on the mercenary nature of the Red Bull young drivers' program, for example. I'd have liked to have seen Felipe Nasr on the short list. I always thought Vergne and Buemi were probably pretty good.