Poland’s Kubica 17th in F1 comeback, but fans undaunted
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
17.03.2019 21:50
Polish driver Robert Kubica has finished last in the Australian Grand Prix in his comeback to Formula 1 racing.
Robert Kubica in action during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. Photo: EPA/JAMES ROSS
Sunday’s season opener in Melbourne saw the Pole running into trouble at the first corner after a collision with Frenchman Pierre Gasly.
Kubica had to make a pit stop with a broken front wing.
Fans were undaunted by the Pole’s distant 17th place, voicing hope that Kubica would settle in following an eight-year break from the sport.
Finland’s Valtteri Bottas of the Mercedes team won Sunday’s race.
Kubica, 34, the first Pole to compete in F1, had a serious crash in a rally car in 2011. He injured his arm, shoulder and leg. He then started a long road to recovery.
Kubica made his F1 debut in 2006 and claimed a total of 12 podium finishes until 2010. He won the Canadian Grand Prix with BMW Sauber in 2008 and then competed for Renault, taking three podium spots in his season with the French manufacturer.
He returned to Formula 1 last year as a test and reserve driver for British team Williams.
(pk/gs)
Source: PAP