Renault and Robert Kubica are the biggest surprise of the season according to Pedro de la Rosa.
The Spaniard was asked by the Swiss newspaper Blick, who he thought was the biggest surprise of the season so far, and duly replied Renault and Kubica.
“For most people in the Formula 1 circus, just one word – Renault. The performance of this team and especially Kubica. In testing, we were often faster [than them].” De la Rosa said.
The Enstone based team scored just five points in the opening four races in 2009, but so far this season they have managed to secure 46, although a greater points system is partly to blame. However, adjusted to the old system, they would still have 19 points, almost quadruple 2009’s.
The team underwent an ownership and management change after a disappointing season, as well as hiring a completely new driver line-up consisting of Kubica and Vitaly Petrov.
De la Rosa also cast his mind to the Button/Hamilton partnership and is confident Hamilton will ‘wake up soon and fight back’ after trailing his teammate by 11 points and two wins.
“Button has managed an excellent start with two wins. He remained quiet and has the least problems with the tires. But I know Hamilton’s strengths. He will wake up soon and fight back.”
The Sauber driver predicted who might win the championship, oddly Button didn’t feature in his top three.
“Who will be champion? Good question, difficult answer. Hamilton, Alonso or Vettel – but not necessarily in that order!”
