Planet-F1

Kubica hails 'fantastic' maiden win

Sunday 8th June 2008

Robert Kubica was over the moon to exorcise the memory of last year's horror crash in Montreal with victory in this year's Canadian Grand Prix.

The Pole escaped serious injury during his horrific crash in Montreal last year, but he bounced back this year to score his and BMW's maiden F1 victory.

Kubica, who is now four points clear in the Drivers' Championship, was delighted with his "fantastic" victory.

"Winning in Canada where I had big shunt last season and the goal to win a grand prix this season," he said after leading home a BMW 1-2.

"We have done it and I'm leading the Championship, so I hope the team will give me 100 percent support to defend it until last race.

"It is fantastic to win for BMW Sauber.

"We grew up together and thanks to team for providing a good car we managed to do first and second. Maybe our pace is still not best as I couldn't match Lewis's pace.

"It's fantastic for me, the team, my country and my fans."

As for his race the Polish driver was extremely grateful to Lewis Hamilton for opting to take out Kimi Raikkonen instead of himself when the McLaren failed to stop for the red light at the end of pit lane.

"When the pit lane was open, almost everybody pitted together. I stopped at the exit because the light was still red. Kimi stopped beside me, and then I heard the noise when Hamilton crashed into his car," he said.

"I have to be grateful to Lewis as he chose Kimi and not myself.

"It all worked out and I'm just happy!"

Another man who was very happy was BMW team boss Mario Theissen: "It is fantastic, I am overwhelmed. It is difficult to find the right words.

"Today just everything worked well. We hoped for another podium here in Montreal, but would not have dreamed to get a one-two victory.

"Congratulations to Robert and Nick and to the entire team at home in Munich and Hinwil.

"Today we achieved a milestone. Both drivers worked with no errors and the strategies paid off. I think we will have to celebrate a lot today."