Formula One news

Kubica surprised himself in Melbourne

Robert Kubica has said he never expected to start the opening race of the season from the front row in Melbourne. He Polish BMW Sauber F1 driver completed an amazing lap in the final minutes of third qualifying session last weekend. During the race Kubica was able to keep a steady second position until he was crashed out of the race by Williams driver Nakajima.

Looking back at last week's opening race in Melbourne Kubica said: "I think the performance in qualifying was a big surprise to everybody and to ourselves as well. We knew where we are, more or less, after the last test in Barcelona but we were not expecting to be so close to McLaren and I think Ferrari has some problems, so we cannot say where we are in comparison to them.

"But in qualifying, everything went quite well. I did quite a quick lap, some small offs, otherwise I could have been on pole but we know that in windy conditions we are struggling a bit, so it all depends. But I think we are on a good way and looking at the progress we have made in the past four weeks. It's incredible and I think the people in Hinwil and Munich have done a very good job and we are on a good way to improve and get closer to the top."

Kubica was racing towards his best result in his F1 career until he got hit by Nakajima. "Sh*t happens. What can I say?" said Kubica on Thursday in Malaysia. "Racing is racing. Normally behind the safety car there is no racing but he made a mistake, it cost me a bit more than him but this is how it is. He missed his braking point, I think. We were very slow and he hit me."

more news

• 11 Oct.
  • Ferrari faces uphill battle
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans

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