Kubica: The atmosphere at rallies is awesome

Interview with WRC-2 driver and ex-Formula 1 racer Robert Kubica about the ADAC Rallye Deutschland.

Rally-racing is extremely challenging both in terms of driving and equipment. Formula 1 drivers have always sought this type of challenge putting their skills to the test in fast corners. Robert Kubica is one of the drivers moving between the two unlike worlds of motor sport. This season, the ex-Formula 1 driver is racing both in the European and in the World Rally Championship (WRC2). And he has been quite successful. The fast Pole has won two rallies and is one of the favourites in the WRC2 classification at the ADAC Rallye Deutsch-land.

After all, it is nothing short of a miracle for Kubica to be back behind the wheel of a car. When the Pole was severely injured in a crash during a rally in Italy roughly two years ago, hardly anybody expected him ever to compete again at this level. At the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, Kubica will drive a customised Citroën DS3 RRC. In the run-up to the German WRC event, he agreed to talk with us.

Robert Kubica, soon you will start at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland for the first time. What are your goals?

Robert Kubica: "Well, it’s not just going to be my first ADAC Rallye Deutschland but also my first asphalt rally. So I want to learn as much as I can - how the Citroën DS3 RRC feels on asphalt, how fast I can get. I have to feel my way into it. If I find that there is a chance to win the rally, of course I will do my best to be successful in Germany.

How does one prepare for a rally one is going to race for the first time? Specifically, how do you practice and train for the ADAC Rallye Deutschland?

Robert Kubica: "First of all, I make sure I am 100% physically fit for the rally. As for the Special Stages, I study videos from the previous years, which helps somewhat. But this year, there are many new sections on the itinerary and two whole new Special Stages. In terms of knowing the itinerary, this takes off some of the pressure since every driver faces a new challenge."

Talking about challenges - what are the particular challenges at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland?

Robert Kubica: "The whole rally is one big challenge for me. Everything is new. Considering my Formula 1 experience, I should be comfortable enough on asphalt. But as I said, most of all I want to be competitive as soon as possible and to learn a lot."

The ADAC Rallye Deutschland is an asphalt-only rally. Would you consider this an advantage for a former circuit racer like yourself?

Robert Kubica: "I have been driving on asphalt since childhood, first carts, then formula cars. Still, I don’t consider that an advantage. An asphalt rally is something else completely from a circuit race. There is hardly any comparison at all, particularly since Formula 1 tracks are much wider and the tarmac is much smoother as well."

What attraction does rally-racing generally hold for you as a former Formula 1 driver?

Robert Kubica: "Other than the racing challenge I love the atmosphere at rallies. It’s awesome even if you come from Formula 1. Wherever I am, the fans are very friendly. And we are much closer to the fans here. I love to talk with them, give autographs and share my passion for rally-racing. Even at WRC events, rallying is a very popular and spectator-friendly sport. I enjoy this very much."

Being fast in the Formula 1 - is that a guarantee for being at the top in a WRC car as well? What is the secret of your success?

Robert Kubica: "I’m not sure I would call myself successful. But about one thing, I am positive: Hard work is decisive. After finishing a rally or the stages in one leg of a rally, I start recapping and analysing my day. I invest plenty of time into thoroughly studying videos, which I hope will help me become better and more competitive with every race. If I may put it this way: hard work and high levels of motivation are my keys to success.

What is the difference, technically speaking and in terms of driving, between moving a Formula 1 vehicle and a WRC vehicle at the physical limits?

Robert Kubica: "I think one can hardly compare Formula 1 and rally vehicles. The differences in speed and the type of tracks make any comparison nearly impossible. For me, they have only one thing in common and it is something emotional: Both types of vehicles kindle great emotions in me."

And finally: Be honest, have you ever speed drifted just for the fun of it (and/or to impress spectators), although it was not really necessary?

Robert Kubica: "Who knows?!"