Kubica yearns for f-duct

Robert Kubica

Robert Kubica worries that he and Renault may have to suffer a struggle in Germany as the team continues to develop its latest features, most notably the f-duct; not being able to use such a part at present, he believes he could be forced to jettison lap times due to consequent alterations in other areas.

Having joined BMW for the final six races of 2006, Kubica has competed in only one Formula 1 race to date at Hockenheim, finishing seventh in 2008. For this year, though, Robert admits his concerns over not having a rear wing-stalling device installed.

“All the cars we are racing already have an f-duct system and this makes our life harder because we may have to reduce downforce to be competitive on top speed, which could cost us in the corners," he explained. “We will have to evaluate the best compromise for us on Friday.

“As usual, I will try to do my best and to extract the maximum from the car. Most of the teams we are racing now have both the f-duct and the blown floor, so I think it could be quite a tough weekend, and we need to make sure that our pace is more competitive than at the last race.

“But if it’s what we call a tough weekend for us is like in Silverstone, when we still could have finished P4 or P5, then I’ll take it straight away."