Robert Kubica celebrated his first major successes on Italian soil in his days as a kart driver and subsequently, in 2006, he secured a podium finish for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. The Polish racer knows Monza like the back of his hand and now, as we head into the 2007 Italian GP, he is hoping to do as well as he did last year.

"Having done so well at Monza last time around, we're looking forward to racing again at the circuit which requires the lowest downforce of the entire season. Here, I secured my maiden Formula One podium finish in 2006 - and I'm still waiting for my second. I hope we will be able to reproduce the performance delivered last year."

Like the majority of his colleagues, Robert appreciates the "Autodromo Nazionale di Monza's" unique characteristic as a true high-speed circuit. He is also aware that it takes sure instinct when it comes to setting the car up for the Italian GP venue.

"I like most sections of the track," he says. "There are some very fast corners and a chicane where you jump heavily over the curbs. The car setup has to be a compromise for it must meet the demands of both fast and slower sections, offering grip while allowing the fastest possible straight-line speed at the same time."

Robert spent much of his youth in Italy and admits to be a true fan of both the Southern European country and the professionalism of Italian motor-racing teams.

"I'm a fan of Italy. I always worked with really good people in Italy. I contested kart and single-seater races, there - the latter in Formula Renault and Formula 3 - and always did so for Italian teams. I have great memories of those times, especially of my karting days."