01/08/2008 11:05 AM
Robert Kubica is refusing to throw in the towel on his Formula One world title dream.
Since Kubica's victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, after which he took over the lead at the top of the drivers' standings, the BMW Sauber star has struggled.
A fifth place in France was followed by the Pole sliding off into the gravel and out of a wet British Grand Prix before an off-the-pace display in Germany 11 days ago.
It means he trails leader Lewis Hamilton by 10 points, with his challenge seemingly fading fast after BMW Sauber failed to match McLaren in particular in terms of development.
But a defiant Kubica said: "While there is a mathematical chance to win you have to try to give your maximum because things can change quickly."
"After the first race in Australia, Hamilton had 10 points and I had zero, but then after seven races I was leading so you cannot give up."
Kubica, who made his debut in the Hungarian Grand Prix two years ago, believes he can still fight with McLaren and Ferrari.
"After the first four or five races of the season the gap was stable, and we are still more or less there," assessed Kubica.
"In Hockenheim, Hamilton and (Felipe) Massa were much quicker, but as for the rest, like Kimi (Raikkonen) and Heikki (Kovalainen), we had a very similar race."
"I've just been unlucky in the last two grands prix, especially at Hockenheim because until the safety car came out I was doing well, running in fourth."
"But then the safety car changed things completely, with some cars behind jumping to the front, so I'm hoping for better luck this weekend."
One of the problems for Kubica is that team-mate Nick Heidfeld has suddenly cut out his qualifying errors and is now posing more of a threat.
The German has closed the gap to Kubica to seven points, yet the 23-year-old said: "I'm not surprised."
"It's not a help or hindrance he is scoring points. There is no difference. It doesn't haven't an influence on my driving."
"It's better for the team, but then all the teams are trying to put their drivers in the best position."
Kubica is likely to have the support of up to 40,000 Polish fans on Sunday, which he hopes will prove an asset.
"Hungary is kind of my home grand prix because it is the closest to Poland," added Kubica.
"In previous years I've had big support from them, so I'm looking forward to a good race, good atmosphere and good weather."