Kubica extends stay at Renault
Renault’s Robert Kubica has ended speculation about a possible move away from the team after signing a contract extension to the end of the 2012 season.
The highly-rated 25-year-old Pole has been in fantastic form for the French squad this season, and sits in sixth place in the drivers’ standings after two podiums and consistent points scoring. His performances have exceeded Renault’s pre-season’s expectations – and haven’t gone unnoticed either.
Mercedes and Ferrari have both been linked with the former BMW driver, but any possible moves have been scuppered as Felipe Massa recently signed a contract-extension with the ‘Prancing Horse’, and Mercedes seem set to stick with the faltering Michael Schumacher for another season at least.
The news will be a welcome boost for Renault after some heavy turbulence over the last two years – most notably the race-fixing scandal involving Nelson Piquet Jr, Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds.
This move also brings continuity and some much-needed stability to the previously-troubled Enstone outfit after employing five drivers in the last two seasons: Fernando Alonso, Nelson Piquet Jr, Romain Grosjean; Vitaly Petrov and Robert Kubica.
On the extension, Kubica released a statement stating: “It was a straightforward decision for me to continue with a team where I feel at home.”
“What’s important for me is to be in the right atmosphere, with a group of good people, where everybody is pulling in the same direction. This is what we have been trying to build from the beginning of my time with Renault,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Renault chief Eric Boullier mirrored his driver’s delight: “We are delighted that Robert will remain with us for the next two seasons and I would like to thank him for the faith he has shown in this team.”
Boullier believes Kubica’s calibre, speed and consistency will put the team in good stead for a title challenge over the next two seasons.
“Our clear goal is to become title contenders over the next two years. To do so, we need a driver of Robert’s calibre: someone who is fast, totally committed and doesn’t make mistakes.
“His performances during the first half of 2010 season were flawless, and we hope to achieve great things together in the future,” he continued.
