Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica set to exit WRC after Monte Carlo Rally
The Monte Carlo Rally is currently likely to be Robert Kubica's sole appearance in the 2016 World Rally Championship
The former Formula 1 driver admitted that he has no funding in place to look beyond the season opener and, if he fails to secure backing, a return to circuit racing could be on the cards by the summer.
Kubica will use his own Ford Fiesta RS WRC - run by Italian firm BRC - on the Monte.
"For now we have no programme for the rest of the year," Kubica told Autosport.
"At the moment, it stops after Monte.
"I am talking to sponsors and some others, but this is the only rally we have planned now."
He tested with BRC for the first time in the French Alps last weekend. The test was cut short after he slid off the road and did not have the necessary spare parts to fix the car. Kubica returns to France to test again on Friday.
The Pole will remain on Pirelli tyres for the Monte Carlo Rally, having extended his agreement with the Italian firm
Kubica admitted his future in motorsport remains up in the air.
"If we continue in rallying, it has to be different to last year - that was crazy," he said.
"It's such a big commitment to do the whole year. I would prefer to not do all the rallies, but really prepare well for the ones we are doing.
"At the same time, it's possible for us to do something else and there are some options for the second half of the season.
"This could mean getting back in a racecar. If I do that then I will dedicate all of my time to this - it would be a longer term project.
"For now though, that's not on my mind. What is on my mind is the Monte Carlo Rally and making sure that I am completely prepared for it."
Kubica has a good record on the Monte, leading the event two years ago and setting fastest times last season.
His priority next week will be a trouble-free run to the finish.
"Monte Carlo is a very unpredictable rally," he said, "and, for sure, the weather will play a very big role in the event.
"With our Pirelli tyres, we have the chance to make an advantage in some of the conditions.
"We will see. Anything can happen but the aim for me is to make a rally without any mistakes."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends
Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
Kubica set for Ferrari WEC Hypercar drive in 2024 after joining AF Corse
Kubica: Winning WEC LMP2 title "brings back smile" after Le Mans defeats
How Kubica found the answer to his own incredible F1 challenge
Acosta: 2024 MotoGP title "not the priority" as expectations mount
Horner: Red Bull’s 2026 F1 engine project “hitting targets”
Mercedes becomes first F1 team to exceed £500m turnover
Dale Coyne Racing retains Harvey for Long Beach IndyCar race
How Rovanpera showed his class above his WRC rivals in Kenya
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore
How Lappi survived Swedish snow carnage to snap his lengthy WRC drought
The new WRC highs Neuville reached to defeat Monte master Ogier
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments