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Kubica Eyes Perfect Season Opener

Robert Kubica didn't reveal much of his personal goals for the upcoming season, admitting that the only thing he really cares about is for BMW to have a strong start in 2009. The Pole put the 2008 season behind him and will try to improve himself this year, despite the many changes introduced by the FIA into play.

“It's very important that we get everything right straight away in the workshop, now especially to prepare for the first race. Last season is gone and we have to concentrate on this year to try to extract the maximum potential from the car. We are trying to do get everything sorted out for the first race,” said Kubica at the unveiling of the BMW Sauber F1.09 car in Valencia.

Kubica revealed that the reason why BMW has fallen behind rivals Ferrari and McLaren in the last part of 2008 was because they failed to improve the development of the F1.08 throughout the last year. And that's the area where the team needs to improve in order to challenge for titles in 2009.

“Last year we got lost I think sometimes. The development was not bringing the results we were expecting. We were bringing new parts and they weren't bringing any performance benefit - that was the problem I think. Once you lose a bit your way, it's very hard to come back because the other teams are working very hard as well,” added Kubica.

He argued that, although BMW were one of the first teams to set their focus on the 2009 challenger – ever since mid-season 2008 – it takes even more work to even think of winning the F1 title this year. The difference between champion and runner-up could be as small as one point, and with the new regulation nothing can be taken for granted.

“At the start of the season everybody would like to win the championship, and everybody targets winning. But there is only one winner, which is why the target is so hard to achieve - especially if you go against very tough and experienced competitors. It's not easy: everything has to be working 100 per cent with a lot of regulation changes. In previous years to develop cars you could take improvements from the last car, but now we are starting completely from new,” concluded Kubica.
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