By Renault F1
March 28 2010

Robert Kubica: “Second place is a very special result”

 Robert Kubica, P2
Fastest lap: 1:29.570
Pitstops: one, lap 8, 24.188s (Intermediate / option)

Robert: “Second place today is a fantastic result for the team after all the hard work we have done over the winter. It was a difficult race to call in terms of strategy and I pitted to change my intermediates for slicks as soon as we saw Button’s pace. I managed to jump Massa in the pits and I came out ahead of Button, but it was my first lap on slicks so I could not hold him off. I thought I would pit again later in the race, but the team said we didn’t need to if I could look after the tyres until the end of the race. I tried to take care of them as much as I could, which wasn’t easy because I had Hamilton behind me and then Massa, but in the end my tyres lasted and we managed to get this great result. We have put in so much hard work this winter, and we know there is still a long way to go before we are really competitive with the fastest teams, but this is a brilliant boost for everybody in the team."

Vitaly Petrov, retired lap 10
Fastest lap: 1:43.132
Pitstops: one, lap 8, 28.963s (Intermediate / prime)

Vitaly: “I made a good start to gain eight places and enjoyed the first few laps in the wet when I was inside the top ten. We made a change to slick tyres at the same time as most of the field, but when I was on the slicks I got caught out in the braking zone for turn three and got stuck in the gravel. I’m very disappointed because I think I could have scored points today. Still, this is a great day for the team and Robert’s second place shows the potential of the car.”

Eric Boullier, Team Principal
“The second place today is a fantastic result for Robert and the whole team in Enstone and Viry. We worked really hard over the winter and we can be very proud of this result. Although we still need to improve the car, this podium gives us all a lot of motivation to keep pushing. Robert drove a perfect race, looking after the car and fighting hard. I also have to say a big well done to the mechanics, who did an excellent job to get Robert out ahead of Massa in the pits, which was crucial for the final outcome of the race. It was a disappointing end to the race for Vitaly, but he is still learning about F1. His start was very strong, and with his strategy he could have been challenging for points.”

Alan Permane, Chief Race Engineer
“Robert drove a brilliant race today. He made a good start on the intermediate tyres and I think we stopped to fit slicks at pretty much the ideal time. After that he drove and excellent race and managed his tyres perfectly to bring the car home in second place. Unfortunately Vitaly’s race ended early as he got caught out in the damp conditions, but he has another weekend under his belt and will look to bounce back in Malaysia next weekend, where we will have some more new aero updates on the car.”

Rémi Taffin, Head of Engine Operations
“Today’s result is excellent and we must dedicate it to the mechanics who have worked so hard over the last few weeks, and, of course, to Robert Kubica who delivered an exceptional performance. Without him we would not have been able to get this result. We’re not yet at the level of the leading teams, but we will continue working hard to get there.”

2010 Australian Grand Prix, Sunday

Discussion started by Renault Rockets (IP Logged), 28/03/2010 20:48

Renault Rockets
28/03/2010 20:48

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

barteks
29/03/2010 09:36

I wonder why they putr Vitaly on prime tyres...

2008 Prediction Champion

Reply Quote Report

Gemm
29/03/2010 12:37

Quote:

barteks
I wonder why they putr Vitaly on prime tyres...

good question indeed..

maybe they were not sure if options will last distance and they planned that tactic with VP

anyway having harder tyre and that part was not easy to keep temps up

it kind of explains Vitaly's off

Reply Quote Report

ICR_IL_88
29/03/2010 15:58

I have to say that Vitaly drove very well until he spun and this is his first wet race, and the last time he did not finish because of a failure in the car.
He definitely has potential.

Reply Quote Report

Karoru
29/03/2010 21:42

It's great to see all this happy faces in the team photo after the race. Just excellent drive by Kubica and fantastic job of the pit crew. All in right places and time.

Reply Quote Report

Kristien
29/03/2010 21:55

i agree ICR_IL_88 i thought Petrov showed he has what it takes so far,

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net