Robert Kubica says Williams’ simulation of the Baku City Circuit is not representative of the track he will drive for the first time tomorrow.
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The Azerbaijan Grand Prix circuit is the first venue on the 2019 F1 calendar that Kubica has not driven before.
“It’s a brand new track for me,” Kubica told media in Baku. “I did a couple of laps in the simulator but unfortunately our simulator model is not representative of reality.”
Kubica clarified that the issue lies with Williams’s Baku track model rather than his preparation. He said he will be cautious during his initial approach in tomorrow’s free practice sessions.
“I would expect a higher level of alert at the beginning of the session, which is normal when you join a street circuit for the first time.
“It will be, after nearly nine years, my first time on a street circuit since the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix, so I’m looking forward to it. Driving close to the walls and barriers is a special feeling and requires a different style of driving.
“From what I can see from outside, the Baku street circuit looks simple in many places, but it’s quite complicated in three or four spots. We have to work through those. There’s no point overthinking it — you need to go out, discover the track and see how it behaves.”
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Although the Williams FW42 has struggled for pace this season, Kubica described the car as more predictable than its predecessor, a trait he believes will help on a street circuit based on his first impressions.
“There are some corners that are very, very narrow, which makes them even more difficult. Braking is tricky in several places because you approach corners at very high speed. If you miss the braking point you pay a high price — there is very little margin for error.
“All in all I can say little because I’ve never driven here, so I’ll probably have more to tell you during the weekend.
“Hopefully I’ll stay close to the walls without hitting them. On street circuits it’s crucial to have confidence and good knowledge of what will happen, and ideally a car that’s forgiving. That unlocks confidence, which is fundamental on tracks like this.”
Kubica was realistic about Williams’s chances of scoring points in Baku this year, noting how different the team’s competitiveness is compared with last season.
“Baku has shown in the past that anything can happen. But last year we were closer to the frontrunners than we are this season, at least based on the first three races.
“So while anything is possible here, judging from what we’ve seen so far this year it will be very difficult, maybe nearly impossible.”
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