SEASON 2006
2009-10-26 @ 22:20:37
In 2006 Kubica became the official third/test driver for the BMW Sauber Formula One team.[2] His results in both Friday testing and private test sessions, along with the words of BMW Sauber's manager Mario Theissen, led to speculation that he would become Poland's first ever Formula One racing driver in 2007. In August 2006, Kubica's teammate, Jacques Villeneuve, complained about headaches after his accident during the 2006 German Grand Prix; he was deemed unfit to race by the team, against his own belief, and Kubica was chosen by the team management to replace him at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.[3] Kubica qualified ninth, beating his more experienced teammate Nick Heidfeld. In the race, he finished in seventh place, but was disqualified after the race for having an underweight car.[4] Villeneuve decided to leave the BMW Sauber team soon after the race,[5] and Kubica's position in the team for the remainder of the season was confirmed by BMW.[6]