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Robert Kubica to Contest WRC2 with Citroen!


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#1 bourbon

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 06:02

Enough with the accident and recovery threads - he's going for it, just as many of us continued to believe he would - and still do. It is a first big bite back into racing at the highest levels and I for one am stoked! GO ROBERT GO!

Citroen WRC Website: http://www.citroen-wrc.com/en/

More stories breaking the news:

http://www.autosport...t.php/id/105833
http://www.news.com....9-1226590422683
http://www.f1zone.ne...-in-2013/17956/
http://www.cnn.com/2...eturn-rallying/
http://www.gpupdate....l-with-citroen/




More info as news breaks...

Edited by bourbon, 05 March 2013 - 06:07.


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#2 seahawk

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 06:07

While I am really happy to see him return, the fact that he seems to need a paddle shift solution to be used by his left hand, does not seem encouraing when it comes to a return to F1.

#3 BigCHrome

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 06:15

I thought he was going to do the ERC.

#4 aray

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 06:57

go Robert go...:clap:

#5 MadYarpen

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 07:44

i am incredibly happy! and quite surprised no one seemed to think wrc2 is being considered:-)

and i am also very currious how will he do, these guys say citroen is aiming wrc2 title, and suggest RK is only one capable of it ATM :eek:

Edited by MadYarpen, 05 March 2013 - 07:45.


#6 Cool Beans

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 07:59

these guys say citroen is aiming wrc2 title, and suggest RK is only one capable of it ATM :eek:

Phew, the organizers must be pleased he's participating then. What happens if he changes his mind, nobody wins the title?

#7 Shiroo

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 08:06

Phew, the organizers must be pleased he's participating then. What happens if he changes his mind, nobody wins the title?

most likely.

But on serious note: I would prefer DTM or ERC full time. I dunno why he choose wanna-be-WRC. to be honest I didn't hear about WRC2 before this topic (and I believe few others here didn't). It is worth mentioning that he is still not really fit and need to have additional gismos.

Though I wish him good luck, and maybe next year he will go to WRC or DTM (though I will keep the opinion that's too late for him to go back to F1 and he is not really fit for it)

#8 MadYarpen

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 08:11

Phew, the organizers must be pleased he's participating then. What happens if he changes his mind, nobody wins the title?

:kiss:
For Citroen ;)

#9 thuGG

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 09:13

I dunno why he choose wanna-be-WRC. to be honest I didn't hear about WRC2 before this topic (and I believe few others here didn't).


Really, is it that hard to understand? To prepare himself for WRC. WRC2 series is happening on the same stages as WRC, so he can learn as much as possible and of course most of the rallies are on loose surfaces and this is even more important to gain experience in such conditions. ERC on the other hand is mostly on tarmac, he would probably shine in these rallies, but wouldn't gain much experience on gravel. That's why I think it's sensible solution, also he will participate in some ERC rallies.

Edited by thuGG, 05 March 2013 - 09:13.


#10 MadYarpen

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 09:36

Indeed, that is how I see it as well. What is annoying... Well, sort of, is that I will be skiing in Austria when first rally takes place. Dammit.

#11 thuGG

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 10:04

Robert Kubica tipped by Malcolm Wilson to triumph on ERC debut: http://www.autosport...t.php/id/105849

Edited by thuGG, 05 March 2013 - 10:04.


#12 One

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 11:44

What a great development. I saw this also, belated congratulation to Kubica. Very impressive return given that his recovery is already a project in itself! Looking forward to more exciting news!

#13 klyster

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 11:51

Great stuff, go Robert! :up:

#14 InfectedPumpkin

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 13:25

Good to see him being professional driver again!

#15 Seanspeed

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 13:29

:D

Great to hear.

Gotta admit, for selfish reasons, I'd like to see him in DTM next year or soon. Mainly just for the pleasure of actually watching him race. And also to keep my pipe dream alive of him getting back to F1 somehow....

#16 wingwalker

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 13:41

It's great that he is back in motorsports full time, it's far more than anyone could hope for 2 years ago. But my feelings are mixed a bit as it was known for some time he is capable of doing rallies so I was hoping against hope he will pick DTM as it would make F1 return more possible which now seems almost officially out the question. Anyways, all the best to him.

#17 InfectedPumpkin

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 13:43

:D

Great to hear.

Gotta admit, for selfish reasons, I'd like to see him in DTM next year or soon. Mainly just for the pleasure of actually watching him race. And also to keep my pipe dream alive of him getting back to F1 somehow....


Me too. I would like to see him competing with others drivers on track. Maybe in the future? Who knows?

#18 JeanClaude

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 13:43

That's great :up:
Hope he enjoys his 2nd motorsport career

JC

#19 Krispy

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 14:37

Does anyone know who will be RK's co-driver?

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#20 thuGG

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 14:40

Maciej Baran, ex Solowow pilot.

#21 MadYarpen

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 15:08

Maciej Baran, ex Solowow pilot.

1. isn't he his current co-driver?
2. Is it already confirmed, or still just a rumour?

#22 thuGG

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 15:38

Solowow is retiring AFAIK. Sokół wrote about Kubica and Baran in one of his articles, still, it's not official.

#23 EightGear

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Posted 05 March 2013 - 15:58

Solowow's cars are for sale, he is retiring for the moment indeed.

#24 DrProzac

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Posted 07 March 2013 - 21:26

In the meantime, checkout this video:
http://monzarace.tv/...acolo-di-robert

It was posted a few months ago. Robert's driving style, they way he shifts and the camera position remind me of the onboards from late 80s and early 90s :)

#25 H2H

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 07:02

I'm quite eager to see him...

Great videos.

Edited by H2H, 08 March 2013 - 07:02.


#26 Peat

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 08:21

While I am really happy to see him return, the fact that he seems to need a paddle shift solution to be used by his left hand, does not seem encouraing when it comes to a return to F1.


Jeeez, let it go. HE WILL NEVER RACE IN F1 AGAIN. He's moving on, so should you.

I wish him all the best, he's certainly a talented chap.

#27 MadYarpen

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 08:35

some people want to keep a tiny bit of hope, I think It won't hurt you if you accept that:) Everyone on this forum knows the reality, this is RK vol. 2.

Edited by MadYarpen, 08 March 2013 - 08:37.


#28 Jejking

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 08:43

Jeeez, let it go. HE WILL NEVER RACE IN F1 AGAIN. He's moving on, so should you.

I wish him all the best, he's certainly a talented chap.

Calm down.

#29 Peat

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 08:49

What's the type-etiquette for a monosyllabic statement? Because i wasn't shouting, imagine it said through a sigh.

#30 Peat

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 08:50

some people want to keep a tiny bit of hope, I think It won't hurt you if you accept that:)


Let me guess, i will have to repent when Jesus comes back too?

#31 MadYarpen

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 09:47

Let me guess, i will have to repent when Jesus comes back too?

No idea, I don't really get along with this guy.

#32 cravenciak

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 09:55

Jeeez, let it go. HE WILL NEVER RACE IN F1 AGAIN. He's moving on, so should you.

I wish him all the best, he's certainly a talented chap.


Give me some lottery numbers...

#33 thuGG

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 13:03

http://www.autosport...t.php/id/105899

#34 MadYarpen

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 13:47

I have to say, I have really hard time to keep my hopes and expectations in check recently... :clap:

Edited by MadYarpen, 08 March 2013 - 13:48.


#35 MadYarpen

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 13:49

anybody can share this article? http://plus.autospor...tar-in-the-erc/
AFAIR autosport has no problem with this...

#36 William Hunt

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 14:02

I expect Kubica and Loeb to partner up for the WTCC next year, with Citroen..

#37 MadYarpen

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 14:05

I don't think he would treat these WTCC toys to seriously...

Edited by MadYarpen, 08 March 2013 - 14:06.


#38 thuGG

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 14:14

I expect Kubica and Loeb to partner up for the WTCC next year, with Citroen..


Don't see any sense in that. He is doing WRC2 and ERC this year to make a switch to WTCC? Yeah, right.

#39 Gemini

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 17:11

anybody can share this article? http://plus.autospor...tar-in-the-erc/
AFAIR autosport has no problem with this...


part about Kubica:

Before I get on to my programme, I'd like to take this chance to talk about a driver who was used to working alone, but is now going to have to get to grips with somebody telling him where to go: Robert Kubica. You might have heard, he's coming to rallying full-time this season.

Robert attended Ford's asphalt test in France last summer. He came in the Fiesta RS WRC with me and I went in the car with him and, I have to say, I was very, very impressed with the guy. He's going to have no trouble with the change in discipline this season.

We were testing the Fiesta on a circuit, which I guess helped him a little bit, but still, the speed he was able to find from the car was incredible for somebody with so little experience. As well as his speed, the thing that impressed me was his motivation. You guys know me, you know that I am always going to be the motivated driver and he was exactly the same.

Despite the situation with his hand, it was quite amazing the way he is so motivated to work and keep doing the kinds of things he really loves doing. Robert has a big passion for the sport and for driving rally cars and when I can see that in somebody then we are always going to have something in common.

Testing and competing in rally cars has certainly made Robert a better driver as well – it always does when you move across disciplines: you take what you know and apply it to something different and then evolve your driving accordingly to become faster. It's not just in the driving, though – Robert showed great commitment in preparation to every aspect of the sport.

Before he tested with us, he borrowed a Fiesta and drove it privately so he knew what he was in for. He is a very clever guy in the way he goes about everything, but the one thing you will see when he drives a Citroen DS3 RRC in the World and European Rally Championship is a huge amount of natural talent.

That ability was what came across straightaway when we were on track. He knew exactly where to put the car, where to find the grip, where to let it run. He will have this same rhythm when he starts the Canaries Rally later this month. He will be fast.

Some people are wondering about his chances on gravel rallies this year. For me, this will be no problem for him. Like I said, he's the clever guy who is always prepared; I'm sure Robert will have done plenty of testing on the loose well before he gets to Portugal. And, yes, Portugal is a tough event to do for the first time, but I don't think he will have any problems at all. He's a down-to-earth guy who is going to succeed. Big time.



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#40 MadYarpen

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Posted 08 March 2013 - 17:40

thank you!

#41 cravenciak

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 09:41

Posted Image (N-Gine, known from the past, KUBICA TEAM)

Foodcare, first hmm.. "official" sponsor for 2013 I guess.

Edited by cravenciak, 10 March 2013 - 09:43.


#42 MadYarpen

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 09:54

good find!

#43 Lord_Shaitan

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 10:09

Only logo on their web page as of now. We should expect some more info very soon.

#44 Gemini

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 18:41

Posted Image (N-Gine, known from the past, KUBICA TEAM)

Foodcare, first hmm.. "official" sponsor for 2013 I guess.



I wonder how much TV coverage Kubica's car will get then, considering TV broadcast is done by RedBull company... :-)

Edited by Gemini, 10 March 2013 - 19:28.


#45 cravenciak

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 21:04

Oh ****, something big is happening - PKN Orlen will do a special press conference on the 13th march. I couldn't believe it because Robert had some issues with them in the past (they didn't want to help him during his karting career) but now I'm quite shocked. Well, the company is not THAT big (like Petronas for example) but still one of the biggest in Europe - it means pretty big budget for rallying and/or racing. JUST RUMOURS THOUGH.

Edited by cravenciak, 10 March 2013 - 21:05.


#46 kosmic33

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 21:37

I wonder how much TV coverage Kubica's car will get then, considering TV broadcast is done by RedBull company... :-)

The production company has nothing to do with the drinks company.

Anyway, he's competing in WRC2 so he'll get minimal coverage because the championship gets minimal coverage

#47 MadYarpen

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Posted 10 March 2013 - 21:37

Oh ****, something big is happening - PKN Orlen will do a special press conference on the 13th march. I couldn't believe it because Robert had some issues with them in the past (they didn't want to help him during his karting career) but now I'm quite shocked. Well, the company is not THAT big (like Petronas for example) but still one of the biggest in Europe - it means pretty big budget for rallying and/or racing. JUST RUMOURS THOUGH.


And where is the source?

Edited by MadYarpen, 10 March 2013 - 21:37.


#48 Gemini

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Posted 11 March 2013 - 14:55

1. isn't he his current co-driver?
2. Is it already confirmed, or still just a rumour?



confirmed

http://eurosport.one...,wiadomosc.html



#49 MadYarpen

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Posted 11 March 2013 - 17:39

alex ‏@F1KubicaFan
And somewhere in Europe Robert Kubica is racking up the miles on his brand new Citroën DS3 RRC #ForzaRobert #ERC #WRC

no idea about the source

#50 GrzegorzChyla

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Posted 11 March 2013 - 18:33

Oh ****, something big is happening - PKN Orlen will do a special press conference on the 13th march.

It might rather be something off-road related. I don't know if it is true or fake, but I saw on FB a photo of a trailer carrying off-road cars, one in Adam Malysz's Dakar paint scheme (Red Bull, Generali) plus Orlen logo.
Note that Italian Baja is this weekend and Małysz is participating in it.

Edited by GrzegorzChyla, 11 March 2013 - 18:44.