Kubica says start will be vital

The BMW Sauber driver made his return to action following his Canadian GP accident in fine style by taking a career-best fourth place on the grid.

But with Renault duo Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen right behind him on the grid, Kubica is well aware that he will have a tough fight on his hands tomorrow.

"I think a better result than this wasn't possible," he said. "I feel we are in good shape for the race, although I think Renault here are closer to us than we are to Ferrari.

"Overtaking here is very difficult and that was why it was very important to qualify in front. I think we have to make a good start and keep up our speed for the whole race."

Teammate Nick Heidfeld will start seventh, although was thankful that he was not suffering from a repeat of the back problems that marred his running on Friday.

"The qualifying was okay, but not particularly good so I am not completely satisfied with my grid position," said the German. "On my last outing in the first chicane the rear was very nervous and the car was oversteering. Nevertheless, the balance of the car today was better than on Friday.

"My lap times from this morning didn't reflect the true performance because I had too much traffic. My back didn't cause me any trouble at all. It was a painful muscle cramp and this was treated successfully last night.

"Obviously Ferrari is stronger than us and Renault has caught up. For tomorrow the weather forecast predicts rain and I would welcome a wet race. We haven't had one for quite a while and I like driving in the rain a lot. It could mix up the field and provide good entertainment for the spectators."