Robert Kubica tipped to win in WRC 2014 after 'amazing' Monte debut
Robert Kubica has been tipped to triumph on a World Rally Championship round this season by his M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson
The Pole led 2014's Monte Carlo opener after two of the most challenging stages in the rally's history.
While he crashed out on day two, he was still firmly challenging for a podium spot on what was only his ninth start in the world championship - and his first in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
Wilson hailed Kubica's performance as the most impressive M-Sport debut he has seen, and said his pace confirmed him as a real rally-winning threat later in the season.
"What Robert did was amazing," said Wilson.
"Coming here and leading Monte Carlo has to make this the most impressive debut I've ever seen from anybody coming into the team.
"It's not just the fact that he was leading, but it was the margin he opened up after the second stage, especially in [such] conditions. This has been one of the most difficult Montes I can remember.
"All of the guys were on the same tyres, but he led by more than half a minute.
"Robert really understood that he had to make the end and on the second day he was driving with the finish in mind, which makes his pace even more impressive.
"Yes he made a mistake, but he was unlucky.
"I definitely think he has the potential to be there challenging for the win."
Previous article
Monte Carlo WRC: Ogier admits early error could've ended rally
Next article
Kubica leads the heroes of Monte Carlo
About this article
| Series | WRC |
| Drivers | Robert Kubica |
| Author | David Evans |
Why the casualty of rallying's evolution should still be cherished
The WRC's support categories are in a process of streamlining that will spell the end of a formalised 2WD world championship-level category. While its relevance to the top level has been questioned for some time, that doesn't mean it should be swept quietly under the carpet
Why WRC's hybrid path could leave it at a crossroads
With all three major manufacturers committing to the World Rally Championship’s hybrid era from 2022, the future of the series is assured for now, but it could lead to trickier twists and turns further down the road
How Tanak froze out the competition at the Arctic Rally
Ott Tanak made up for a disastrous Monte Carlo Rally by leading all the way on the snow-kissed stages of the Arctic Rally Finland and in the process hit back at an event Toyota had been expected to dominate
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
This week's Arctic Rally Finland will bring the World Rally Championship into new territory. And, almost without exception, the service park can't wait for the subzero challenge to commence
How Ogier achieved a fitting Monte Carlo farewell
Against pandemic-shaped odds, the World Rally Championship season opener went ahead in Monte Carlo last weekend as a familiar face again took top spot. But for an emotional Sebastien Ogier, his record-breaking eighth win meant more than most
What to look out for in the 2021 WRC
As the 2021 World Rally Championship prepares to launch amid tight COVID-19 restrictions in Monte Carlo, here are the eight things unrelated to the pandemic that you should keep an eye on this year
Evans on the talking points of WRC 2021
He came close to the title last year, and now Toyota's Elfyn Evans gives his verdict on what to expect from 2021 as the World Rally Championship prepares to reconvene for the Monte Carlo season opener
Why Britain's continued WRC absence is a wake-up call
OPINION: With Rally GB dropping off the World Rally Championship calendar for the second year in a row, one of Britain's best-attended sporting events faces an uncertain future. It's an unfortunate situation that points to troubling times ahead
