Robert Kubica says his feeling behind the wheel of Williams’ FW42 during free practice for the Russian Grand Prix was among his worst of the campaign.
Kubica has struggled for pace through much of the 2019 season and has trailed George Russell for one-lap performance in each qualifying session.
Kubica finished at the rear of the 20-car field at the conclusion of Friday’s second session at the Sochi Autodrom, over a second behind team-mate George Russell.
“Probably one of the worst days behind the wheel, regarding the balance and overall grip actually,” said Kubica.
“I don’t have grip. In this kind of track there is little what you can do, you have to carry a lot of speed, the corners are short, you need good stability on entry and confidence on the car but it was very strange, very slippery.
“We are sliding, because we create let’s say the wrong tyre temperature.
“But generally the grip when there is an issue with the tyre temp there is a point where you have good grip, maybe not one lap, but after that, but we didn’t have a position where we had reasonable grip in the car today, so we’ll check the data and go tomorrow.”
Russell, who was seven-tenths behind Antonio Giovinazzi, reckons Williams’ use of the kerbs accentuated matters.
“Generally Sochi is generally quite smooth, we run quite a stiff set-up, so the times you do have to use the kerbs it’s incredibly aggressive for us,” he said.
“It’s just finding that right compromise as the softer you go the more aero you lose. It’s a compromise but it wasn’t too great out there to drive, but I don’t think it was for anyone.”
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