Kubica sorry about Raikkonen decision

"I thought personally that there was a chance, but apparently it wasn't the case," Kubica told reporters in Japan on Thursday.

"What he said I think was completely different to what the overall picture was looking like.

"Somehow I'm a bit disappointed because I would have been very pleased with him together in the team. He's a great driver and to have a world champion driver as a team-mate would be really good and I think that's what Renault needs as well.

"But apparently it wasn't the case and I don't really know what to say," added the Pole, who has been partnered by Russian rookie Vitaly Petrov this season.

Renault is still evaluating whether to keep Petrov for another year, with the team having asked the Russian to raise his game to improve his chances.

Kubica said it would be ideal for the team to have two strong drivers, but admitted there were other factors to think about.

"I think in the position we are it's clear the biggest gain for the team is to have two strong drivers, if it's possible. That's not possible in all occasions," he said.

"It's normal that you have to evaluate your position and see somehow where you are standing. But fortunately this is not my job, it's the job of the people running the team, so for me it's very, very simple."

He added: "The biggest gain for the team and for a driver is to have a strong team-mate. Everybody would agree that the stronger driver you have, the better the chances of having a good result.

"But on the other hand you have to evaluate if you are able to pay the drivers and be able to run them. But fortunately, as I said, this is not my job."