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Despite only one race victory to his name, Robert Kubica is widely believed to be one of the very best drivers in Formula One. In 2010 he qualified his Renault in much higher positions than it ever should have been and even mixed it with the front runners on occasion. In a better car the expectations were 2011 might be a breakthrough season but five weeks before the first race he was badly injured in a crash while rallying in Italy. The paddock waited for news of his return, but after conflicting reports it was announced at the end of 2011 that he would not be ready to resume testing ahead of the 2012 season, and his Formula One future remains in the balance.

His career began in karting before he graduated to the Italian Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup in 2001. A move to the Formula 3 Euroseries followed in 2003, but it was not until title success in the Word Series by Renault in 2005 that Kubica really made a name for himself - earning a test with Renault.

BMW Sauber signed him as test driver in 2006 and he made a successful grand prix debut in Hungary deputising for the injured Jacques Villeneuve who later left the team. Kubica went on to score a podium in Italy at just his third race in F1 and his first full season in 2007 saw him finish sixth in the championship. However, he was fortunate to escape serious injury in Montreal where he had a huge accident that forced him to sit out of the US Grand Prix a week later.

He raised his game in 2008 and completely out-shone team-mate Nick Heidfeld, securing BMW Sauber's first race victory in Canada. Although he was a championship contender, the team opted to focus its resources on 2009 - much to Kubica's frustration - and he finished the championship fourth overall.

His frustration was compounded when the F1.09 failed to match its competitors and time spent working on a failed KERS project detracted from development of the chassis. BMW then announced it was leaving the sport at the end of the season and put the Swiss-based team up for sale.

Kubica was left with few options and in the end joined Renault, even though the team was recovering from one of its worst seasons in years. Nevertheless, he immediately adapted to the atmosphere within the team and proved to be a natural replacement for Fernando Alonso. Midway through the season he signed a new two-year contract, although there are several rumours that he also has a Ferrari contract lined up for the not too distant future. His accident put all that on hold, and with his Renault contract expiring at the end of 2011 his future remains unclear.

Strengths and Weaknesses
On tracks where the driver can make the difference - such as Monaco and Spa Francorchamps - Kubica proves his worth. In the past he has lacked motivation when the team is not directly behind him, but that doesn't appear to be a problem at Renault.

Career High
His first and so far only victory in Montreal in 2008 - all be it following a controversial pit lane accident which eliminated Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen. Being in the right place at the right time, he made best of the opportunity to record BMW Sauber's first and only grand prix victory.

Career Low
On the eve of the 2011 season he was badly injured in a minor rally event in Italy, ruling him out for the whole of the season. After declaring himself unable to be fit for the start of 2012, he then reopened the fracture in his right tibia to further delay any future comeback.

Quotes
"I've never known it like this and it's difficult to know how damaging it's been, but this [2009] has been one of the worst years for politics in F1. All I want to do is to be able to focus 100% on what I love, which is driving, and that's not been possible."

"In my job I spend a lot of time with a lot of action, high speed and noise. By contrast, poker and bowling are quite steady."

Trivia
Outside of F1 Kubica's hobbies are snooker, poker and ten pin-bowling - his hero is snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan.