With a career spanning just 26 Grands Prix, Robert Kubica currently lies third in the Drivers' World Championship. With the exception of the Australian Grand Prix, he has constantly been among the top drivers. Willy Rampf, Technical Director for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, believes the Pole has taken a significant step forward compared to the pre-season.

"Obviously Robert has gained a lot of experience", says Rampf. "I think especially this winter, when we brought the new car onto the track, it was very important that we relied on and got very exact feedback to develop the car, because when it comes to balance issues, it's not always so easy to see it in the wind tunnel or on the data."

After a series of rather disappointing test results at the start of the year, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has worked meticulously and consistently on its performance. This effort has so far been rewarded with three podium places in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain, as well as the interim lead in the Constructors' World Championship.

Rampf believes the team also has Robert to thank for the excellent results so far: "I think he has done a very good job. His comments are quite precise and quite repeatable, which is very important for us. He has certainly learned a lot, and made a step up compared to last year.