Robert Kubica

Robert Kubica appears to have been a driver at the wrong place at the wrong time. When BMW Sauber chose to halt development of their 2008 car and instead focus all efforts on 2009, it really did seem like 2009 would be their year, and Kubica would have a championship-winning car. But things didn’t turn out quite like that, with the team performing badly and quitting at the end of a lacklustre 2009. Kubica thus made the switch to Renault for 2010.

Now, Kubica’s talent as a driver is not in doubt. From his very first race he was impressive. Let’s not forget, he even led the Drivers’ Championship in 2008 after a strong performance at the Canadian GP – his first win. But without a competitive car, the Pole hasn’t had much to smile about.

Now in his fourth full season in F1, there is a lot that Kubica will need to do - in terms of helping resurrect the Renault team post the Flavio Briatore-Pat Symonds era, as well as resurrecting his once promising career.

The Polish driver has impressed in 2010 with two podiums in the first six races despite the car not even close to the competitiveness of the Red Bulls and the McLarens. His stay at the Enstone-based team was extended earlier this year until the end of 2012 and will surely be a championship contender in the future.