By BMW Sauber F1
March 13 2009

Will the new variables make the car more complicated to use for the driver?

Kubica: "Not really. Using KERS and the adjustable front wing is not particularly difficult. Once you've worked out where to use KERS to optimum effect at each track and in which places you adjust the front wing, it happens pretty much automatically."

Do you think it will be easier to overtake this season?

Kubica: "KERS definitely helps on a straight when you want to overtake somebody who doesn't have the system. I think the picture will not change dramatically. But I really hope there will be more opportunities to overtake, because fans and drivers miss overtaking in Formula One."

Will the teams be more closely matched?

Kubica: "It's difficult to say. There was very little between the top teams in testing. Whether that will also be the case in qualifying will doubtless depend very much on how well the teams are able to prepare for each race track - and that's become harder with the restrictions on testing. When it comes to the races, a major factor will be how effectively the car and driver work with the tyres. There is some uncertainty here as well; the new tyres mean we can only use data from the past to a limited degree."

What is your aim for the 2009 season?

Kubica: "To get 100 percent out of myself and the F1.09 in every race. Only then we can have the chance to beat the other top teams and still be battling for the title in the final race of the season."

How do you think the BMW Sauber F1 Team is shaping up compared to its rivals?

Kubica: "As always testing can only give you ideas on where you are. And it can also mislead you. Our goal is to be best prepared for Australia. And I think we are on a good path. But we have to wait until Melbourne to really see where we are. The Qualifying will give all the teams a first impression about the balance of power."

How did you spend the winter?

Kubica: "The winter was, as always, very relaxing after a long and exciting season. As usual I prepared for the coming season, worked a lot on fitness and strength for another very demanding season."

How did you focus your winter training?

Kubica: "My overall fitness level was good so I concentrated on keeping this level for the new season. A lot of drivers focused on losing weight because of KERS. From my experience in 2008 I know where my limits are in this respect."

 

What was your goal in setting up Robert Kubica Kart?

Kubica: "I have been karting for many years and really enjoying it. Karting was my world. Now being in Formula One I am just karting for fun as often as I can. So my basic idea was to set up a karting team and develop my own brand. Once it has started properly I am sure it will give me some satisfaction and also good results."

Are you happy with the development of RK Kart?

Kubica: "Yes, but we are still at a very early stage. We worked a lot before we managed to get the homologation for our first self-developed racing kart. And we need to keep working to improve. I am pretty confident it will be a good project."