Zoom No big deal for Kubica

Standard ECU, modifications to qualifying, new engine rule: the Formula One regulations for 2008 once again feature several innovations. Though BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Robert Kubica expects the racing to be more challenging for the drivers than in recent years, he remains truly unconcerned about the forthcoming 18 Grands Prix that comprise the 2008 season.

"Everybody will easily adapt to the new situation," he says. "That's our job, and the fastest driver will win."

"All the speculation prior to the season is just as unnecessary as last year's regarding the impact of control tyres. Some of us, including myself, had to make a bigger effort to adapt to the characteristics of the Bridgestone tyres but all-in-all, it was no big deal," Kubica considers.

The banning of traction control represents one of the most dramatic regulation changes implemented by the FIA. The result is that from now on, controlling their cars in extreme situations without losing pace or position will make life more difficult for Formula One drivers.

"Because of the new regulations, we will have to operate the throttle with a more sensitive and careful attitude," Kubica explains. "I'm convinced that we will witness more mistakes and more drivers going off the track, particularly in the wet. That's something you will have to deal with differently."

The changes might also have important side effects: "I think that a race held in conditions such as those we experienced in last year's Grand Prix at Fuji will be impossible in 2008."

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source BMW Sauber