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Theissen: Tough Working with Kubica

Robert Kubica came to Shanghai a few weeks ago holding slim (but still) chances to win the drivers' title but found himself unable to even challenge for points in the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite urging his team to push for the season finale and give him a competitive car to work with in the closing rounds of the 2008 season, Kubica finished both races outside the Top 8.

The Pole payed tribute to his team's focusing more on developing the 2009 car rather than move forward with the 2008 programme after the mid-season and lost even his 3rd place overall in the drivers' classification. Team boss Mario Theissen admitted there were some arguments between Kubica and his team following their failure to keep the Pole on the overall podium but insisted that his driver should be respected for his determination throughout 2008.

“Robert was in top form and if the car was not quick enough he took it as a personal affront. The working relationship was therefore not always easy, but his unreserved determination to achieve success commands respect,” said Theissen.

However, the German official assured Kubica that his team will not take on the same approach for 2009 as well and will challenge their championship rivals for the titles all the way. Theissen insisted the Hinwil-based team aims for both the constructors' and drivers' crowns next year, as they are already ahead of their competition in terms of developing their KERS technology and updating the F1.09 for 2009.

“The challenges are big but we will stick to our ambitious goal: in 2009, we want to be one of the teams battling it out for the title. In 2009, Formula One will have to face arguably the most dramatic rule changes in the history of the sport. Due to the aerodynamic restrictions, the appearance of the single-seaters will differ massively from this year's Formula One cars,” admitted Theissen when announcing the launch of their F1.09 model on January 20th.
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