Kubica stays optimistic

BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica has a mountain to climb to catch McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

SINGAPORE // BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica may have the proverbial mountain to climb as he tries to catch Lewis Hamilton at the top of the standings, but the Polish driver sees Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix as his best chance of eating into the McLaren man's 14-point lead. Kubica, 23, third in the championship behind Briton Hamilton and Ferrari's Felipe Massa with four races remaining, is relishing the challenge of Formula One's first night race.

"They say it is a night race but for the drivers it will be really bright," the Pole said. "I don't expect any problems, but you never know how your eyes will react. We will have quite a lot of time to learn about the track during practice. If after three hours of practice, a driver doesn't understand the track then there's something wrong." Kubica acknowledged that his championship challenge had faltered badly mid-season, but he has not given up hope.

"The situation is harder than it looks. After seven races I was leading the championship, now with four races there's a 14-point gap," he added. "Singapore is the best opportunity in the last four races to score important points, so if the car improves then it will be much easier to challenge." * Reuters