Formula One news

Brave strategy pays off for Kubica

Robert Kubica drove a strong race to pick up a much-deserved first podium finish of the season in Brazil. Having not finished in the top three since the Japanese Grand Prix of last year, the Pole now moves ahead of team-mate Nick Heidfeld in the championship.

Widely tipped as a title favourite before the season began, Robert Kubica has endured a disastrous season in 2009 although - having narrowly missed out on a podium in Australia at the start of the year - the Kraków man moved from 8th to an eventual 2nd in Brazil, passing Nico Rosberg at Turn 1 and overhauling Rubens Barrichello through pit-stops.

"The basis for today's result was laid yesterday when we decided to take a gamble and drive the wet qualifying with a low-downforce (dry) setup," Kubica explained. "This went well in Q1, but was difficult in Q3.

"Although some people were disappointed with eighth place yesterday, I was quite pleased - today we had a good and consistent pace. I was surprised at the beginning that it was quite easy to follow Rubens Barrichello and Mark Webber.

"I had to reduce the engine revs after about 15 laps, because the water temperature was too high, and I had to avoid the tow of the guys in front of me. After my first pit-stop I was unlucky because I got stuck behind four cars. At that stage Mark was able to increase the gap. This is a great result in a difficult season and I really hope that I will see this team on the grid next year."

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