Both Renault and Toyota were chasing the 2008 Formula One title bidder in recent weeks, but the Japanese team's boss John Howett revealed, prior to the Suzuka race last weekend, that Toyota cannot afford the Polish driver for the upcoming season. Given the uncertainty of BMW Sauber's grid position next year, it is now also unlikely that Kubica will choose to stay at Hinwil for next year.
Therefore, the 24-year old driver is expected to seal his F1 future later this week, in order to have a piece of mind before the 2010 campaign. Renault seems to have already shook hands with the Pole during the last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, the only obstacle in making the deal official being BMW Sauber's go-ahead.
Kubica now races for the German-Swiss team based on an ongoing contract due to expire at the end of 2010. However, with owners BMW already announcing their withdrawal from the sport at the end of this year, it appears the situation consequently voids the clauses of that deal.
“If I was not free I wouldn't be talking with other teams,” confirmed Kubica to the reporters in Suzuka last weekend, therefore confirming that he's as free as a bird to look for another commitment next season.
Renault are now pushing to replace their 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who has been confirmed by Ferrari for the upcoming 3 years. The Spaniard, known to be a close friend of Kubica, has recently vowed to give the Enstone based team good references on the Polish driver, as he considers him the best replacement for himself at Renault.
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