Robert Kubica thread

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I heard something about money from Lotos for a 8 rally but it can be kind of rumor from other planet...

http://robertscomeback.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/szczepaniak-will-drive-with-ptaszek-but.html

[Jarek Z]

Only in WRC2 endurance championship..

Exactly. Let's be honest. Kubica has never made any impressive results in a WRC car. He was good in slower cars only, like S2000/RRC/R5.

But still - good luck to him!

[marcosg]

"The Renault guys love Kubica and not only because he is fast and almost error-free but also because there is nothing he would rather be doing than sitting in the garage talking about how to make the car faster.
And if it is not that it will be regaling the mechanics with stories from his karting days or talking about the rally car he competes in as a hobby between races.
When Kubica was a BMW driver he was asked what he would like as a company car and they did not know quite how to react when he replied: "A Mitsubishi Evo 7."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9080455.stm

[marcosg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXbILAvPFPA

some nice comments about robert's rally passion from his fellow f1 drivers... also funny comment from barrichello about robert's nose and a few drivers complaining about robert's winning at poker

[marcosg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjm5RaBYpKY

5 years passed

[Jarek Z]

In the recent interview Maciej Szczepaniak (Kubica's co-driver) says that Robert is one of the three fastest rally drivers in the world. Do you think he has lost his mind? Or maybe is Szczepaniak's opinion affected by the fact that he drives with a very slow driver now and everyone looks faster in comparison?

The interview (in Polish):
http://wroclaw.wyborcza.pl/wroclaw/1,35760,19616957,maciej-szczepaniak-robert-kubica-to-jeden-z-trzech-najszybszych.html#indeks_news

[marcosg]

I think it's just pure evidence...

[Mariusz]

In the recent interview Maciej Szczepaniak (Kubica's co-driver) says that Robert is one of the three fastest rally drivers in the world. Do you think he has lost his mind? Or maybe is Szczepaniak's opinion affected by the fact that he drives with a very slow driver now and everyone looks faster in comparison?

The interview (in Polish):
http://wroclaw.wyborcza.pl/wroclaw/1,35760,19616957,maciej-szczepaniak-robert-kubica-to-jeden-z-trzech-najszybszych.html#indeks_news
Having an opinion doesn't mean to lose a mind, don't you think? Robert maybe one of the fastest, but he's not the most consistent, unfortunately. And due to his past experience I think he'll never be that kind of rally driver, he's just more the type of Meeke or Latvalla, very fast but prone to mistakes. With the time there will be less and less mistakes, but who knows how much time to gather experience he actually has.

[denkimi]

In the recent interview Maciej Szczepaniak (Kubica's co-driver) says that Robert is one of the three fastest rally drivers in the world. Do you think he has lost his mind? Or maybe is Szczepaniak's opinion affected by the fact that he drives with a very slow driver now and everyone looks faster in comparison?

The interview (in Polish):
http://wroclaw.wyborcza.pl/wroclaw/1,35760,19616957,maciej-szczepaniak-robert-kubica-to-jeden-z-trzech-najszybszych.html#indeks_news
i think he has just never driver with a real fast driver. kubica is fast, but i think a lot of drivers can be just as fast or even faster if they would take as much risks as him.

[Mariusz]

A nice youtube video about Kubica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOGugc-T2jc

[dimviii]

35 minutes clip?

[Mariusz]

Ok, fixed.

[Jarek Z]

Kubica is back on a racing track. Together with Martin Prokop he is going to compete in the 12h Mugello in Mercedes SLS GT3.
http://wyscigi.autoklub.pl/news/kubica-z-prokopem-w-12h-italy-mugello,66533

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc9XZPxW4AEtwaM.jpg

[Jarek Z]

Kubica lost 10 kg of weight and now his old racing suit from 2010 fits like a glove!
http://natemat.pl/174617,robert-kubica-wystartuje-w-12-godzinnym-wyscigu-zasiadzie-za-sterami-600-konnego-mercedesa

[Mariusz]

Still not enough, because in the 12h Mugello race they gave him extra 30kg weight for being too fast/experienced.

Edit. The extra weight is probably because of the car they have, my bad.

[Jarek Z]

Lotos and Kubica - end of story. It's official:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/lotos-zakonczyl-wspolprace-z-kubica,67437

[dimviii]

As for Kubica, according Rallye-Magazin there are rumors that he could return to WRC2, he teamed with Lukasz Habaj and competing with a Ford Fiesta R5.

http://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/2016/04/20/robert-kubica-puede-regresar-al-wrc2-ya-sin-el-apoyo-de-lotos/

[Mariusz]

As for Kubica, according Rallye-Magazin there are rumors that he could return to WRC2, he teamed with Lukasz Habaj and competing with a Ford Fiesta R5.

http://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/2016/04/20/robert-kubica-puede-regresar-al-wrc2-ya-sin-el-apoyo-de-lotos/
April Fools' leftovers.

[Ucci]

Finally interesting news about RK; he is going to participate this weekend in his old Clio S1600 at rally Lucca in Italy:

http://www.balestrero.it/sites/default/files/download/2016/rally-coppa-citta-lucca/rl16_elencoiscritti.pdf

[maciotacio]

Yesterdays test before Rally Citta di Lucca. Great to see Robert and Maciek in action again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=pmro2BR0vVM

And there is live timing for the rally.
http://rally.ficr.it/default.asp?p=Ym9keV9lbnRyeWxpc3QuYXNwP3BfQW5ubz0y MDE2JnBfQ29kaWNlPTMxNiZwX01hbmlmZXN0YXppb25lPTEwJn BfR2FyYT0xJnBfTGluZ3VhPUlUQQ

[maciotacio]

From that video, we can clearly say that Robert isn't just cruising in that rally :)
https://www.facebook.com/andrea.franchini.54/videos/10206975161601903/
5th in SS1 (problems with brakes), and 3rd fastest in SS2.

[denkimi]

i see he's immediately back on level, trying to crash once more.

[maciotacio]

Actually his Clio s1600 is that fortunate car in which he hasn't crashed yet, as far as i remember. So you may be disappointed.

RK still has got brake issues and isn't satisfied with the way how car handles.
https://www.facebook.com/EpicRallyTribe2.0/videos/527008510830824/
https://www.facebook.com/EpicRallyTribe2.0/videos/526950027503339/

[NoFear85]

2 stages to go and is 2nd o/a

[Ucci]

Quite a lot of happening on the night stages....first retirement of Rudy Michelini due to fire on his Fabia R5, then Kubica had his share of unluck on the last stage (I do not know the reason), but the worst ''nightmare'' suffered guest from Corsica; Paul Antoine Santoni who crashed heavily on the liaison from the last stage to the finish ramp.
He and his charming co-pilot Audrey Orphelin were transported to the hospital due to some small injures.
So, Kubica won third place, but without mistake on the last stage he would win !!

[maciotacio]

Quite thrilling end of rally. Kubica had puncture on the last stage.
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/3988/1563/original.jpg
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/3987/7258/original.jpg

Santoni was hit by Cunquecento just 800 meters before finish. What a misfortune.
https://z-1-scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13709753_304811133200055_5233244582289793703_n.jpg ?oh=5b8adeb63e7ca158992ec97a09bee123&oe=57E9FA3F

[Jarek Z]

Final results and videos from the rally:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/wypadek-santoniego-kubica-na-podium,69551

[mousti]

onboard with Robert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmwwRqIT3mc

[Jarek Z]

Robert Kubica is back in racing. He's going to compete in Renault Sport Trophy on Spa-Francorchamps track this week:

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201609/news20160921_70781h.jpg

[Jarek Z]

Good weekend in Belgium for Robert Kubica. He was third in race 1 and fourth in race 2 on Spa Francorchamps. Good results after a long break from racing... which seems to prove that Robert's place is on a racing track and not on a rally stage...

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201609/news20160925_70886h.jpg

http://bi.gazeta.pl/im/61/c8/13/z20744033Q,-AUTO----RENAULT-SPORT-SERIES--SPA-2016.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

So can we move this thread outside of the WRC?

[Simmi]

Good weekend in Belgium for Robert Kubica. He was third in race 1 and fourth in race 2 on Spa Francorchamps. Good results after a long break from racing... which seems to prove that Robert's place is on a racing track and not on a rally stage...

Hmm I'm not really buying that logic. Kubica would get that level of result if he dropped back down to regional rallies or even ERC. For sure the talent has not left Robert. There are a couple of decent drivers in that trophy but he should be beating most of them I'd say with minimal seat time.

[Jarek Z]

Hmm I'm not really buying that logic. Kubica would get that level of result if he dropped back down to regional rallies or even ERC. For sure the talent has not left Robert. There are a couple of decent drivers in that trophy but he should be beating most of them I'd say with minimal seat time.

It's hard for me to say. I don't follow racing, so I don't know what level of competition in this cup is. But 3rd place after years of absence from racing doesn't look bad. Kubica said himself he is happy with this result.

[Jarek Z]

So can we move this thread outside of the WRC?

I don't know, because:

1) he says "I would have loved to keep on rallying, but I don’t have the means to compete against pro teams."
Read the interview here:
http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/09/24/kubica-theres-a-90-chance-ill-be-racing-next-year.html

2) he got an invitation to compete in the next round of Polish rally championship

[Simmi]

It's interesting - because maybe if he'd been able to keep at it this year, with another year of experience and maturity he COULD have got into a position where he was in line for a works seat next year. Where as now everyone has discounted or forgotten him almost when it comes to the WRC.

I'm not sure whether it would have been possible. Probably a long shot. For sure the Monte was a terrible start to 2016.

[Jarek Z]

It's interesting - because maybe if he'd been able to keep at it this year, with another year of experience and maturity he COULD have got into a position where he was in line for a works seat next year.

Has he not crashed enough cars already? He wasn't even good enogh to win in the ERC...

[Mariusz]

Hmm I'm not really buying that logic. Kubica would get that level of result if he dropped back down to regional rallies or even ERC. For sure the talent has not left Robert. There are a couple of decent drivers in that trophy but he should be beating most of them I'd say with minimal seat time.

This is exactly what happened, he beat most of them with minimal seat time and car setup. But he didn't go there to fight for the win as the only and main goal. He's clearly trying to return to racing so he was making sure that he is still able to fight on the track and set good lap times when needed. So I wouldn't count on seeing him rallying full time next season, unless something goes really wrong with his plans.

[br21]

I've been there in Spa, Renault RS01 is really not easy car and level of top drivers and teams in the series is very decent. Team of Kubica was not that good (mainly because they were beginners with those cars maybe) plus he also needed time to adapt, etc. So there are no miracles, from pure speed he was 3rd there, so anyway higher than expected.

[Simmi]

Kubica has been in Corsica for the rally. Colin Clark has been dropping hints around him getting back in a rally car. Who knows.

https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/782161222649180160?lang=en

[GigiGalliNo1]

Who knows

Who cares

Move on!!!!

Should we discuss Hamburger boys coming back to the WRC too?

(My inner NOT is coming out!)

[Simmi]

Who knows

Who cares

Move on!!!!

Should we discuss Hamburger boys coming back to the WRC too?

(My inner NOT is coming out!)

This thread is clearly labelled so your choice whether you want to read it or not...

True the WRC has hardly fallen apart since Kubica left but it's pretty clear a lot of fans do still care where he ends up.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He added some interest and excitement with his speed but I cant see him coming back.

He gave it his best shot at rallying but I'm sure he found his constant accidents too depressing.

[Simmi]

Kubica leaning towards circuit racing but still misses rallying and met with team principals in Corsica.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126618/kubica-90%25-sure-of-2017-circuit-racing-deal


I don't believe anything with Kubica until I see it.

[Jarek Z]

Robert Kubica signed as Williams reserve and development driver:

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/1/kubica-signed-as-williams-reserve-driver.html

https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsF1Team/videos/2109776025753040/

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201801/news20180116_82040h.jpg

[Ucci]

Robert Kubica signed as Williams reserve and development driver:

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/1/kubica-signed-as-williams-reserve-driver.html

https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsF1Team/videos/2109776025753040/

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201801/news20180116_82040h.jpg

Although I miss him on rally stages, I'm happy for Robert......Hopping for a permanent seat in the F1 in the future....

[A FONDO]

Practice sessions proved he is too slow for main driver but at least this discipline is way safer for him and hopefully for others.

[peter_85]

Practice sessions proved he is too slow for main driver but at least this discipline is way safer for him and hopefully for others.

You mean too slow pocket?

[denkimi]

You mean too slow pocket?
He's getting old and he's handicapped.

Although like a lot of people, i would like to see him back, its very unlikely that he will ever reach his former level.

[Sulland]

Old, he is only 33. Kimi is older....

[peter_85]

He's getting old and he's handicapped.

Although like a lot of people, i would like to see him back, its very unlikely that he will ever reach his former level.
If he's handicapped they wouldn't hire him, especially after seven years being out of F1 business.

[Simmi]

I think this Williams opening was his last chance to land a race seat. But at least he'll be back in the F1 paddock and get a few outings. Maybe if there's an injury he'll get a drive.

Would have preferred to see him go into sports cars as there are more potential options there.

[denkimi]

Old, he is only 33. Kimi is older....
And whe're all wondering when he's going go retire, aren't we?


If he's handicapped they wouldn't hire him, especially after seven years being out of F1 business.
Have you not heard about his accident 7 years ago?

[peter_85]

Have you not heard about his accident 7 years ago?
If it's very important, why they choose Kubica instead Wehrlein, Di Resta or any other not "handicapped" driver?

[denkimi]

If it's very important, why they choose Kubica instead Wehrlein, Di Resta or any other not "handicapped" driver?
press coverage, money, ...

and as you can see they have not chosen kubica, they chose sirotkin and stroll.

[peter_85]

and as you can see they choose kubica and money

Now is correct.

[Jarek Z]

After 8 long years Robert Kubica's dreams have finally come true. He is back in Formula 1. Congratulations and good luck!
https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/11/williams-martini-racing-confirms-robert-kubica-as-race-driver-for-2019

[Jarek Z]

https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1065547703432683521

[Ucci]

Robert's re-entry into F1 exceeds all expectations. Good luck.

[Jarek Z]

If someone still doesn't know - yesterday Robert Kubica won the 24 Hour Le Mans race :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNLoS7DVaGs

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/kubica%E2%80%99s-road-to-le-mans-ran-through-the-wrc

https://img.redbull.com/images/c_crop,x_0,y_0,h_1350,w_1080/c_fill,w_1050,h_1313/q_auto,f_jpg/redbullcom/2025/6/16/etcfwpd03rm689tbnafl/kubica

[AndyRAC]

Great achievement - but don't forget to mention the other two drivers; Hanson & Ye; a lot of the media seem to have overlooked this (similar to when Hulkenberg won Le Mans).

[dodge33cymru]

Great job by all of them - Ye's pace was pretty close to Kubica's too - but worth noting that of all the drivers in the whole hypercar class, Kubica spent the most time in the car of any of them, more than 10 hours in total.