''Anything can happen in Formula One''Six races into the 2008 season, BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Robert Kubica lies fourth in the drivers' World Championship with 32 points to his tally, only six points away from current leader Lewis Hamilton.
The Pole talks about
this year's good results so far and the title opportunities that might come his way during the 2008 drivers' championship.
You have had a fantastic season so far - why were you able to improve so much compared to last year?
"There were many factors which influenced my results in 2007. I don't think I have improved so much as a driver. But there are several outside factors that have improved a lot and these are both around and inside the car. All these factors have made my life easier with regard to setting up the car as I want it and having a better feeling for the car. The results this year show just how much I was struggling last year, and I think I was struggling much more than anyone outside realised. There are so many small factors that can influence your performance in Formula One. Last year was extremely disappointing for me, but I have learned from this, and I'm happy I have been able to improve the performance so much."
Do you consider yourself a championship contender this year?
"I don't think so, but of course anything can happen in Formula One. In the last two or three races especially we were not as competitive as we were at the beginning of the season, when we were in between the Ferraris and the McLarens. Recently, it has been more difficult for us to be up there.
I expect Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton to fight for the championship, but if I see an opportunity, of course, I shall do my best. My approach is the same for all the races: I try to get the maximum out of the car and score the most points possible."
Montreal is a so-called "medium downforce" track. Do you think it should suit the BMW Sauber F1.08?
"Montreal is track which is completely different to Monaco, apart from the fact that it's a kind of street circuit where the grip level is improving massively from one session to the next. But the downforce level is much lower. We really have to see what it is like. We ran a relatively low downforce level in Turkey, where we were not so fast, but the team has developed a special medium downforce aero package for Montreal, which I hope will work and put us in a strong position."
What do you do in your spare time?
I'm preparing for the next test or race. I work on my physical fitness, having done this particularly before the start of the season. But of course I also like to relax after a race to get the energy back before the next one. In addition, I like to play Poker, go Bowling or just do normal things like other people do.
BMW
