Robert Kubica visits the Paris Motor Show

The Mondial de l’Automobile – or Paris Motor Show to foreign visitors – may only open its doors to the public tomorrow, but Robert Kubica has already enjoyed a sneak preview of Renault’s latest models thanks to a visit to the exhibition halls at Porte de Versailles yesterday.

Robert’s visit to the show’s VIP evening included the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the new Fluence ZE electric vehicle on a special test track within the show halls.

“It drives like a normal car, with a good amount of torque straight away,” commented Robert. “But as a racing driver you’re used to hearing an engine behind your ears at 18,000rpm, so it’s strange to have no noise in here!”

Robert’s day wasn’t just spent admiring the latest shiny models in central Paris, though. It began with a visit to the workshops of Renault Sport Technologies, crammed full of their wide range of race machinery, from Formula Renault 2.0 single seaters to the brand new Mégane R.S. N4 rally car that is currently under development.

When it came time to talk technical, Robert put his rallying experience to good use as the engineering team explained the finer points of the car’s mechanical configuration, while he discussed his plans for the next rallies that will be squeezed into his schedule between the final races of the season.

Of course, he took time out to address the staff at Renault Sport, and to sign plenty of autographs, before heading to the show and a meeting with Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn at the central Renault stand. And then it was time to head home before turning his sights to Suzuka.

“It’s my favourite circuit,” said Kubica of the challenge that lies ahead next weekend. “Everybody knows Suzuka, it needs no publicity and all fans of motorsport love it. It’s clearly the best track, the track which gives the driver the most challenges. But it’s also one of the tracks that gives you the most satisfaction.”