Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica would not be averse to a comeback in rallying, but only for fun and “not in the spirit of competition” reveals the Pole
Ex-Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica, who is currently driving a Ferrari 499P in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), is apparently not ruling out a comeback to rallying! “To be honest, I miss rallying a little. I’m a big fan of it,” admits the Pole. But if he ever does make a comeback, it will only be for fun
“Now I’m busy with my racing program, and since I stopped rallying at the beginning of 2016, I see the rallies more from a fan’s perspective,” Kubica told Motorsport.com. “I follow what happens [in the WRC]. I follow the rallies more than anything else.”
As the World Rally Championship (WRC) celebrated its return to Poland this year, there was already speculation a few months ago as to whether Kubica would be back in the cockpit at his home rally for the first time since 2016. The Pole did pay a visit to the event two weeks ago, but without actively taking part in it
Comeback “not in the spirit of competition “
“If [a return] could be a bit of fun, then yes, but not in the spirit of competition,” said the 39-year-old, depriving Polish fans of the hope that there could be a serious rally comeback in the next few years. After winning the WRC2 championship in 2013, Kubica drove in the highest class of the World Rally Championship in 2014 and 2015.
After a break of several years, the Pole first returned to Formula 1, then to the DTM and now to the World Endurance Championship. However, despite his serious accident in February 2011, in which he suffered a severe hand injury as well as numerous arm and leg fractures, his enthusiasm for rallying remains undiminished
“Of course there are some rallies on the calendar that I watch and I think it would be nice to drive again,” admits Kubica. “But then I think about how much effort and preparation goes into it. If you’re just there for fun, you can take part in a rally without any real pressure. “
Future of the World Rally Championship “a complex issue “
While the World Endurance Championship is currently experiencing a hype, the World Rally Championship is struggling to survive. Why is that? “It’s a complex issue involving various parties,” Kubica ponders. “I think what is happening now [in the WRC] has nothing to do with today, but is a trend that probably started when I was in the WRC. “
“Unfortunately, in modern life, people tend to value other sports,” the Pole tries to find the reasons for the current lack of interest in the WRC. “I still believe that rallying is something special, especially from the fans’ point of view.”
“In the WEC, there has been a big upswing in the manufacturers over the past two years and the level has risen massively,” recalls the former Formula 1 driver. “Manufacturers are attracting other manufacturers, and that’s what rallying is struggling with, attracting new manufacturers, and as I said, it’s a complex issue, but luckily I don’t have to think about it.”
“But from a fan’s point of view, I would love to see something like this in the WEC, it would be very special and beneficial for everyone. There hasn’t been anything like this for a long time. I know people are trying and I don’t think there is a silver bullet, but it will take work to try and improve things. “
