There are just over two weeks to go before the start of the 2008 Formula One World Championship, and the BMW Sauber F1 Team has been preparing for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 16th March with tests in Valencia, Jerez and Barcelona. Here Robert Kubica talked about the recent winter break and his expectations for the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s third season on the grid.

Did you enjoy the winter break?

I spent a few days with my family and chilled out a bit. And, like Nick, I stepped up my fitness training, which included joining the team for the training camp in St Moritz. I mainly focused my training on the endurance side.

Coming out of the winter break, how hard is it to motivate yourself again for testing ahead of the new season?

It’s not an issue. For me the short break was enough to recharge my batteries. I also like being in the car for testing. Plus there was the added incentive – and honour – of being the first person to drive the new BMW Sauber F1.08 on the track.

With winter testing complete, how do you see things shaping up?

The engineers took a certain amount of risk and have entered new territory in some areas with the F1.08. One of the consequences of this is that we were not BMW Sauber F1Team quite where we hoped to be at the start of winter testing. But since the roll-out everybody in the team – and that means both the testing crew and the guys back at the plants – has been working at full steam, seven days a week. These efforts have paid off; we have made great steps forward and registered improvements in all areas. And I’m sure we are still far from exhausting the full potential of the F1.08.

How has the absence of traction control and engine braking control affected you?

In testing we noticed that the driver has a big influence over tyre wear. And that applies to an even greater extent the higher the temperature of the asphalt. Plus, it is also extremely important to avoid straying from the ideal line as much as possible. In the past, we could rely on the traction control to keep everything in check if we went off line, and even if you had a bit of a slide you would only lose a relatively small amount of time. Without traction control the driver has to take his foot off the accelerator to avoid the risk of spinning. And that means you lose more time, of course. As a whole, though, it is not exclusively a question of driving style. The car also has to make optimal use of the tyres.

In what ways does your teammate get on your nerves?

I would not like to be in a situation where I didn’t have a good relationship with my teammate. Luckily Nick and I work very well together.

What personal aims have you set yourselves for 2008?

I will always give 100 percent and am looking to finish in the points on a consistent basis.

The first night race in F1 history does not take place until September (in Singapore), but the idea has already been floated of holding further races in the dark. What do you think of this possibility?

I don’t think there will be any problems if the weather plays along. We will probably notice hardly any difference to a normal race. But things might turn out rather differently if it rains, as reflections from the floodlights could have a negative effect on visibility. However, I’m sure that the FIA has planned for that eventuality as well and will ensure that the race takes place safely.

And looking ahead to Melbourne…

I’m a fan of street circuits, so I also like going to Melbourne. I’ve always been very quick there in the past. But I also like the atmosphere in the city, and the friendly, motorsport-mad fans there. At any rate, I can hardly wait for practice to start for the Australian Grand Prix. It will finally put an end to the weeks of speculation caused by winter testing.