Zoom A new project for Robert Kubica

Karting is an important first stepping stone on the motorsport ladder for modern day Formula One drivers. With the odd exception, almost all of the drivers on the grid for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March will have cut their teeth in the category and Robert Kubica is no exception.

"I've always enjoyed driving karts,” the BMW Sauber driver told the team’s official website. “It was a great fun to compete in karting - lots of competition and not so much politics.”

Kubica recently re-established his relationship with specialist Italian kart builder Birel with whom he competed ahead of his single seater debut in 2001 and has formed his own team. Kubica tested the new machine and will be involved in the management of the new project.

"I wished to do something active in the world of kart racing, the discipline which allowed me to stand out and take the path leading to F1, and which I still love," Kubica concluded.

Earl ALEXANDER
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