Kubica hopes to fight for podium place

The Pole ended Saturday's practice fastest of all and spent much of Friday trading times with Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and McLaren - and he is upbeat about his prospects.

"The car seems okay," said Kubica. "A lot will change when the conditions improve, but the car feels reasonable. Of course with this poor grip it is difficult to have a perfect balance and be really happy, but overall I am quite happy with the pace and the car feels as normal."

When asked if he expected once again to challenge Ferrari and McLaren - as he was doing in Suzuka before his wheel fell off early in the race - Kubica said: "I am not thinking about it - but I hope so. We will see in qualifying.

"In Japan the Red Bulls were out of reach, but Ferrari and McLaren were fighting with us. We hope to repeat this, but Japan was a very special track and we were in very, very good shape.

"Here might be the same but it will be difficult to repeat. Those teams brought some upgrades on the car and if they make a step forward then it might not happen."