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[zurich_allan]

I'm undecided on the matter. Robert Kubica is obviously a very proficient driver, extremely capable, and this has been proven by him consistently scoring points ever since he was first drafted in as replacement to JV mid-way through 2006.

What I thought would make a good debate is the question of is he really any better than that? Is he of the same standard as (in my opinion the most talented drivers in F1 today) Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel? Or is he more of the standard as those slightly below the top in terms of all round talent but still capable of winning a WDC in the right car as they may have one defining attribute (speed, determination etc.); in my opinion that would probably include Massa, Kimi, Button, Webber, Rosberg, Barrichello.

What got me really thinking about this was when I saw that Kubica actually finished behind Heidfeld in the WDC this season, and then on investigating all of the races they have had together (including from 2006 only those races they were both in race seats) you have this:

2006: RK 6 points NH 4 points (RK beats NH in races together)
2007: RK 39 points NH 61 points (NH beats RK over season)
2008: RK 75 points NH 60 points (RK beats NH over season)
2009: RK 17 points NH 19 points (NH beats RK over season)

Total: Kubica = 137 points Heidfeld = 144 points

Kubica only missed one race after the Canadian accident in 2007, and Heidfeld did not score in the US race that he missed.

So what we see over a prolonged period of time as team-mates is an almost even number of points, with Heidfeld actually slightly ahead. Given that Heidfeld is usually deemed as a solid, but definite number two driver, where does this leave Kubica now? In fact there could be a strong argument made that if Heidfeld was a better qualifier that the difference could actually be substantially higher in his favour... To not firmly put Heidfeld in the shade in my opinion damages Kubica's reputation as a credible real top level performer and believe me I don't like saying that!

I'm quite certain some will disagree with me strongly on this, but I thought it would make a good debate topic now that we are in the close season. Your thoughts please...

[zurich_allan]

Thought I'd add my own thoughts to this. My opinion is that at the top end, Kubica is capable of more than Heidfeld. Once he gets a sniff of a podium he can go hell for leather and beat anybody, however if he's mid-grid, or low points he's always in danger of losing interest and fading into obscurity. Heidfeld on the other hand, whilst not as talented, has in my opinion a better attitude and will graft away from lights to flag regardless what position he is in. It's Heidfeld's graft that sometimes earns him podiums as opposed to outright speed.

So I suppose what I'm saying is that I think Kubica has the talent, but he needs to improve his attitude / motivation if he ever plans on fighting for a championship again...

[headless]

Potential.

[cap-dude]

I really don't know.

Both Heidfeld and Kubica are top drivers, and I personally don't see one as being better than the other. But the perception is that Kubica is one of the top drivers in F1. I don't see that to be honest.

All the same, Hedifeld doesn't have a drive next year and that really surprises me.

[racechick]

An interesting debate. I rated Kubica when he first came, and I know Lewis rates him highly. Not so sure now though. Not keen on him as a character but that shouldnt be part of the deabte. I dont put him up with Hamilton, Alonso and Vettel but maybe I'd put him slightly ahead of some of the others. Having said that I wouldnt put him above Webber, Kimi and on the last two years form -Massa.In his defence he's not had a good car since BMW stopped developing last years car, and at that point he was in with a shout of the championship. A tricky one to decide until we've seen him up against the best in similar machinary.

[7UpJordan]

Kubica has excellent potential, he needs a good car behind him and BMW gave him one in 2008 until they decided to stop developing it which cost him a shot at the title thanks to Hamilton and Massa taking so many points off each other.

[vaptin]

Well its been mentioned a few times on through the bbc ferrari rate him highly, and he's seen as a future driver for them - legard pointed out he only signed a one year contract with renault.

[scotty]

A very, very good driver but not quite an Alonso, Raikkonen or Hamilton.

[7UpJordan]

Well its been mentioned a few times on through the bbc ferrari rate him highly, and he's seen as a future driver for them - legard pointed out he only signed a one year contract with renault.

Sounds familiar, have Renault all of a sudden become a Ferrari stepping block??

[Frosty]

Sometimes he seems great other times I wouldn't rate him very highly. Judging by his performances so far he is more of a whiner and less of a fighter.

[EwanM]

Well its been mentioned a few times on through the bbc ferrari rate him highly, and he's seen as a future driver for them - legard pointed out he only signed a one year contract with renault.

Sounds familiar, have Renault all of a sudden become a Ferrari stepping block??

Kubica/Glock Ftw :p

[7UpJordan]

Well its been mentioned a few times on through the bbc ferrari rate him highly, and he's seen as a future driver for them - legard pointed out he only signed a one year contract with renault.

Sounds familiar, have Renault all of a sudden become a Ferrari stepping block??

Kubica/Glock Ftw :p

I think Renault would suit Glock, their cars go the longest on fuel during the race and Glock loves his heavy runs.

[texasmr2]

I like Kubica and think he still has alot of potential.

[EwanM]

Personally I don't think Kubica lacks any drive or ambition. Infact alot of his moaning was at the fact that BMW were robbing him of a proper title shot in 2008.

I mean he has the commitment. He goes for a run after each race thts dedication

[Juliet P]

Answer to thread title: no.