Kubica has huge potential, says Sauber
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-09-22 11:22
Former team head Peter Sauber says Robert Kubica has a great future in
Formula One after the Polish youngster finished third in only his third grand
prix.
"This was only the beginning, the best is yet to come. Robert has huge
potential," the Swiss told the BMW Sauber Web site on Thursday.
Sauber, who gave Kimi Raikkonen his Formula One debut in 2001 when the Finn
was an unknown driver, said 21-year-old Kubica was outstanding in fending off
Ferrari's Felipe Massa for lap after lap in this month's Italian Grand Prix at
Monza.
"In the past, he was often forced to use second rate material due to his
limited financial possibilities," said Sauber, who sold his Swiss-based team to
BMW last year but remains as a consultant.
"You really had to take a closer look to discover his qualities. However it
was definitely worth our while."
Kubica, Poland's first Formula One driver, replaced Canada's former world
champion Jacques Villeneuve at the Hungarian Grand Prix in August.
He would have scored points on his debut had his car not been disqualified
for being underweight at the finish.
He has qualified in the top 10 in all his three races and third place in
Monza made him the first driver to finish on the podium after just three starts
since Austrian Alexander Wurz with Benetton at Silverstone in 1997.
BMW Sauber have yet to confirm Kubica for next season but, on the basis of
his races so far, it would be surprising if anyone else was in the frame to
partner Germany's Nick Heidfeld at the team.
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