Kubica promises new approach

Robert Kubica has pledged to take ‘a few steps back’ and sacrifice speed at Rally Argentina in a bid to revitalise his crash-plagued season.

Despite leading in Monte-Carlo and showing promising speed elsewhere, his year has been blighted by accidents. He has crashed eight times in four rallies and his only finish was in Sweden.

The Pole, who is competing in Argentina for the first time, says he must concentrate more on finishing and less on driving flat out.

“I will try to change my approach – going back to the way I tackled events when I first began my WRC career,” said Kubica. “Driving on gravel, I must focus more on survival and getting to the finish as opposed to driving as fast as I can.

“There are too many variables and surprises that can often catch out inexperienced drivers. That is why I think a few steps back will do me no harm,” he added.

Kubica admitted his problems were not a pleasant experience but didn’t regard them as unusual.

“I think winning the WRC 2 category last year with so little experience was much more unusual! Most drivers who are experiencing these stages for the first time compete in much less powerful cars.

“I am driving one of the best cars in the championship alongside the best rally drivers in the world, amidst conditions I have never previously experienced. This is the highest level, I need to remember that,” he said.

Kubica remains positive about the rest of the season and refuses to allow the crashes to alter his goals.

“It is true that it has not been the luckiest start to the season for me, but I believe it will get better. The most important thing is to make the most of this experience and learn from it. I am sure that better times will come,” he added.