Sebastian Vettel hails Robert Kubica's WRC achievements

Kubica won the WRC 2 title this year and is contesting Rally GB, which starts on Thursday evening, for the factory Citroen team.

Vettel, who karted against Kubica and was drafted in for his grand prix debut for BMW Sauber at Indianapolis in 2007 after the Pole's massive accident in the previous weekend's Canadian GP, is impressed with his old rival's rallying exploits.

"He was a great driver and still is, but unfortunately his career in F1 came to an end with the issue he had with the hand after crashing at the beginning of 2011," said Vettel.

"But I wish him all the best. It's good to see that he still has the same spirit he had as a young boy when I first met him the first time racing in Italy - I think it was in Parma."

Vettel has kept an eye on Kubica's rallying career, which restarted last September.

He added that he looks back fondly on their days as rivals even though he is no longer in touch with Kubica.

"I have followed a little bit and he did very, very well in WRC 2," said Vettel.

"He is competing with the big boys this weekend so I'm looking forward to seeing how he's doing.

"Obviously, he is still handicapped with his hand, which has been a tricky recovery.

"I remember many things we shared together, after his accident I had my first race at Indianapolis in 2007 but way before that we were racing each other in go-karts and have many memories which are very nice to look back to."