Will Kubica stay with BMW-Sauber in 2009?

The contract binding Robert Kubica to the Formula 1 team, BMW Sauber, will certainly be extended until 2010. In any case, the Polish driver will have to race in 2009 under the banner of the German team.

Kubica is one of the drivers in form at the start of this season, so he is highly sought after by other teams.

However, sources close to Kubica have stated that there is an option in his contract that gives BMW-Sauber the automatic right to sign him for another season.

The option, which seems to end in September, therefore leaves the team the entire summer to decide whether or not to keep Kubica.

With his current level, the question seems a formality although in theory, BMW Sauber could choose to sell the driver’s contract to another team.

Last year, Kubica was informed immediately after his accident at the Canadian Grand Prix that he would be retained for 2008. BMW Motorsport director, Mario Theissen, has already admitted that the team will finalize its driver lineup in the coming months.

When asked if he was concerned that Kubica’s current good form might attract other teams, Theissen replied: « No, when Robert was hired, we expected him to perform. We will announce the driver line-up during the summer. »

Theissen believes that the performance increase of the F1.08 will allow Kubica to show his true potential.

« Yes. I would say that we are heading in the right direction. What we are seeing now is quite similar to what we saw in 2006, » Theissen explained.

« It was a very difficult year, last season. It was harder for him to adapt to the specifications like the standards regarding the tires. »