Kubica - I'll be at the front again

Constructors' leaders enjoying "textbook start to the season"

Last updated: 24th April 2008

robert kubica bmw sauber 6/4/2008

Kubica: top form

Related links

Teams

Drivers

Also see

BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica is convinced he can keep up the pressure on Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

The Pole made history three weeks ago in Bahrain by grabbing both his and the team's first ever pole position, ending the monopoly enjoyed by Ferrari and McLaren stretching back to the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix.

Although Kubica was unable to capitalise - Felipe Massa taking the lead at the lights to eventually lead home Kimi Raikkonen in a Ferrari one-two - the 23-year-old finished third - and believes he and his team are firmly in the title hunt.

Indeed, BMW Sauber currently lead the Constructors' Championship, whilst Kubica is joint-third in the drivers' standings, two points behind team-mate Nick Heidfeld and five adrift of leader Raikkonen.

And, going into the first European race of the season at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya - where teams tested car upgrades last week - Kubica sees no reason why BMW Sauber will not be in contention once again.

"Everyone will be coming to this race on top form," he said.

"I guess all the teams will be lining up with an improved car, but at the same time that means we also have to get the maximum out of ours.

"If we manage that, and since last week's test in Barcelona I am firmly convinced we will, I'll be racing right at the front again."

Dominance

Although Ferrari's success in Bahrain was emphatic, Kubica cannot see such dominance being achieved this weekend.

"I think we will have a more predictable race than the first three overseas grands prix," he added.

"The conditions this time round are completely different. All the teams know the Barcelona circuit like the backs of their hands because we do a lot of testing here.

"That's why I expect the gaps between the teams to become a lot smaller than in the last few races."

Following his side's stunning start to the season, BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has expressed his belief that the 2008 season is now a three-horse race.

"It has been a textbook start to the season for our team, and we are no longer the number three team as last year," he said.

"Over the first three races we have carved out our niche right up there among the top three teams.

"We are accordingly elated and fired up incentively."