Renault must be fourth by July to retain Kubica
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| Robert Kubica |
Auto Hebdo said the matter could be finalized shortly after this weekend's British grand prix due to the imposition of a mid-July deadline.
And Italy's Autosprint believes Kubica could even stay with Renault beyond 2012, but the 25-year-old reportedly "wants guarantees" about the Enstone based team's funding.
"We are determined to have Robert with us," team boss Eric Boullier is quoted as saying. "He knows our ambitions and our potential."
06/12/10 (GMM) Robert Kubica has admitted he is not too bothered about suggestions he is the key to the 2011 driver market. Before Mark Webber and Felipe Massa were re-signed by their respective Red Bull and Ferrari employers, it was rumored the Pole might shake up the grid by switching camps.
But McLaren and Mercedes are also expected to keep the same drivers for 2011, meaning 25-year-old Kubica will almost certainly stay at Renault for another season.
Amused, he is quoted by Swiss newspaper Blick: "If you are the subject of constant speculation, then your market value only increases.
"I'm feeling really comfortable at Renault. Here, the team and I can build ourselves up, and that is a great satisfaction."
Renault team boss Eric Boullier admitted in Montreal that he is happy F1's top teams are set to field unchanged lineups next year.
"We can now sit down and discuss properly with Robert his future with us," he said.
Kubica revealed he is not in any talks with rival teams.
"I was looking, after the difficult season I had last year, not only for a quick car but for a team where I feel comfortable and welcome. And I got it so I am happy with the decision I made," he said.
06/03/10 (GMM) Robert Kubica's manager has hinted that the Polish driver is not likely to change teams ahead of the 2011 season. The 25-year-old moved from BMW to Renault this year, but amid his strong performances it has been rumored he could switch to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa.
But it is believed Massa is now close to extending his contract.
Speaking in Turkey last weekend, Kubica insisted it is "not the time" to be contemplating "whether I will be staying with Renault or not".
When asked about the Ferrari gossip, his manager Daniele Morelli told Finland's Turun Sanomat: "It appears that is a desire perhaps by some journalists rather than actual news."
Kubica is a healthy sixth in the world championship, ahead of rivals including Massa and both of the Mercedes drivers.
"Robert does not make mistakes. His results are the best he is able to do when he does not have a winning car," said Morelli.
"When he led the championship two years ago, we were firmly attached contractually to BMW, and then his car was weaker last year when we were finding a new team. Right now, we do not need any interest in Robert except from within his own team, so that the car can be developed to be even more competitive," he added.
Morelli said Kubica feels much happier with the Enstone based team than he was with BMW. Kubica confirmed: "Many people, when I signed for Renault, told me I was wrong, that it was a bad move. But I'm pretty happy with my decision and I hope I can rely on my decision-making for the future."
05/09/10 (GMM) With regards to Robert Kubica's future, July 15 could be a significant date for the Pole.
An Italian report said earlier this week that the 25-year-old, who currently drives for Renault, has signed some sort of "option" with Ferrari.
The report said the option gives Ferrari the ability to definitively sign Kubica for 2011 by July 15.
It is now reported by Finland's Turun Sanomat that July 15 is also a significant date within the pages of Kubica's current Renault contract.
The report said Kubica will be free to sign for another team for 2011 if Renault is not at least fourth in the constructors' championship.
Renault is currently fifth, 14 points behind Mercedes.
Theoretically, Kubica would become Fernando Alonso's new teammate in the place of Felipe Massa, whose contract is set to expire.
Asked why he has not yet renewed his Ferrari deal, Massa told Spain's Marca newspaper: "There is no problem.
"It's just that we are talking about it at the moment," he added.