Grapevine: Walker tips Kubica for 2009 title

Speaking at the Autosport International Show today, the legendary commentator said the changes to the regulations next season could change the order at the front and expects Kubica and BMW to shine through.

"Nobody has got the faintest idea what's going to be happening in 2009," Walker said on the Autosport Central Stage. "They've thrown all the balls up in the air, we've got KERS, we've got slick tyres - thank God - all sorts of different things happening next year. It's going to be very different.

"Ask me who will win the championship this year," he added. "Robert Kubica in the BMW.

"They're a mighty switched on organisation, BMW, they make cracking road cars and I am full of admiration and respect for what they've done. And they will get better."

He also expects Renault to be able to challenge for victories on a regular basis this year following their renaissance with Fernando Alonso in 2008.

"They got it wrong by not stretching the rules as much as some of the other teams may have done in the engine department last year, but now that's being put right," Walker said.

"I think Renault are going to be a big threat, particularly with Fernando Alonso at the wheel because he has still got something to prove."

Walker criticised outgoing world champion Kimi Raikkonen for not finding a way to get the best out of the F2008.

"He was on a roll after 2007 when he was world champion in his first year with a new team," said Walker. "The conventional wisdom is that Raikkonen lost the championship because he couldn't handle the understeering characteristic of the Ferrari, but that's his job.

"It's his job to master it and he's paid £20 million a year or something like that. Well, I'm very sorry for him, but it is his job and he didn't come up to snuff. (Felipe) Massa grasped the opportunity and blew him away, all credit to him."