Kubica likens German GP to rally in night fog

Michelle Foster
Robert-Kubica-PA

Robert Kubica

Such was the poor visibility at the start of the German GP that Robert Kubica has compared it to running a night stage at a rally in the fog.

Formula 1 had its first wet grand prix of 2019 on Sunday at the Hockenheimring.

Although a few laps were run behind the Safety Car, the FIA declared a standing start for a 64-lap race.

That became 64 laps of chaos, excitement and thrills – at least for those watching.

“I forgot how much spray there is and how visibility is poor,” Kubica told Autosport.

“I did night stages in rally cars with fog. And when you’re switching off the lights because they’re not helping in the fog with the night [conditions], it’s crazy, but you can at least see and have pace notes, so you know where you are.

“Here, especially the first lap, it wasn’t easy and I didn’t know where I was.

“I was backing off, everybody was backing off, especially, as I said, it was a quite conservative approach and I struggled a lot with the grip, with keeping the car on the track.”

It had been nine years since Kubica last competed in a wet Formula 1 grand prix, P5 at the 2010 Korean race.

“All in all, it was a valuable experience and for sure, nine years is a long time,” said Kubica.

“But still I think in these conditions it’s a lot about keeping your head down and staying calm.

“A lot of cars were faster than us, or most of them, but still you have to drive to your limits and not what you see around you.”

Although Kubica crossed the line in 12th place, he scored Williams’ first point of this season after being promoted to P10 following penalties for both Alfa Romeo drivers.

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