Kubica causes a stir in Poland

When Robert Kubica appeared as a driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team at Friday's practice sessions, Formula One fever broke out in his native Poland. But the 21-year-old is determined to earn the respect of his home fans with great performances on the race track.

"I'm really proud that I joined Formula One," says Robert Kubica. "It is the dream and goal of all young drivers. Of course in Poland there is more interest in Formula One now but I am not really proud of this. I don't like to be a showman, I don't like to create interest in me."

But there's very little Robert can do to avoid the spotlight. He is frequently the man to thank for securing good positions for the BMW Sauber F1 Team on the GP Fridays. And he knows how to convince the team and his racing partners of his dependability on the track.

"In the end my career will not depend on what the newspapers in Poland are writing," he says. "Everything comes from the driving. I want to be a driver, I don't want to be a showman. That's why I'm trying to be as simple as possible." This explains why Robert is concentrating fully on his current role as a test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

There are no thoughts about stepping up to become a regular driver just yet: "I am doing my job and what will happen in the next sixt months I don't care really," he adds. "I am trying to concentrate on the present and what is going on now, not the future."