Robert Kubica | Polish driving sensation Robert Kubica's F1 profile

Robert Kubica

Team: Renault
F1 Debut: 2006 - Hungarian Grand Prix

Robert Kubica burst onto the F1 scene as Poland's first ever Grand Prix driver in 2006 when he joined BMW midseason as a replacement for Jacques Villeneuve. He scored an unlikely podium in just his third Grand Prix, overtaking teammate Heidfeld on the way, marking him out as one of the fastest drivers in Formula One.

Kubica was originally part of the Renault Young Driver program but was surprisingly dropped in 2003. Kubica then advanced through Formula Three before signing as BMW's third driver in 2006. His first full season in F1 was 2007 and he did well by scoring 39 points, but he is best remembered for his horrific accident in the Canadian Grand Prix. Kubica was lucky to survive when his car disintegrated against a concrete wall at 300kph and was especially lucky to escape leg injury since his feet were protruding from the wreckage when it rolled to a stop. Kubica missed the following Grand Prix and his place was temporarily filled by Sebastian Vettel.

Kubica emerged as one of F1's best drivers in 2008 when he took his first race victory for BMW, and even challenged the big teams for the World Championship up until the dying rounds. He took seven podiums during the season and finished fourth in the World Championship (on equal points with Raikkonen in third).

2009 was a far less successful year for Kubica. BMW struggled for form during the year but he still salvaged a podium in Brazil. Kubica signed a deal to race with Renault in 2009 although the team's current form suggests he won’t be challenging for regular wins. Kubica's long term future most likely lies with a larger team and there are rumours that suggest he will one day move to Ferrari alongside good friend Fernando Alonso.

Click here for F1 Driver profiles