Robert Kubica: “Not the ideal route”

With, among others, the arrivals of Eric Boullier and Gravity, the Renault off-season F1 team has been somewhat eventful. Robert Kubica's second place in Melbourne therefore gave relief to a French team which is trying to rebuild itself after the scandals of last year. However, this podium should not hide the fact that the R30 is not yet at the same level as the single-seaters of four top teams, as the Pole reminded us after the finish last Sunday:

“Melbourne was a race apart, particularly because of the weather conditions, declares the ex-BMW driver. While it's great to be on the podium, it shouldn't overshadow the reality of our performance. These particular races don't happen every weekend and we have to work hard if we want to be able to consistently aim for the podium. »

It is therefore full of humility that Kubica will approach the third round of the season this weekend at Sepang:

“I don't think it's the ideal track for us, but on the other hand we could see in Australia that the car performs better in warmer conditions, so the Malaysian heat could help us. It's a demanding circuit because the corners are very different and the width of the track gives you confidence to attack and find the limits. Recently the high speed corners haven't been too difficult to negotiate but I think they will be more difficult this year with full gas tanks. There is also a significant risk of storms and rain, and with the late start of the race on Saturday we could have a second round in the rain. »

The Pole does not get excited, aware that his car is not yet efficient enough to regularly aim for the top three. But the progress seen in Australia must have increased the motivation of Eric Boullier and his men even more.

Find the full report of the Australian Grand Prix in your AUTOhebdo magazine, on newsstands now.