Kubica has huge potential, says Sauber

Former team head Peter Sauber says Robert Kubica has a great future in Formula One after the Polish youngster finished third in Monza in what was only his third grand prix.

"This was only the beginning, the best is yet to come. Robert has huge potential," the Swiss said.

Sauber, who gave Kimi Raikkonen his Formula One debut in 2001 when the Finn was an unknown driver, said 21-year-old Kubica was outstanding in fending off Ferrari's Felipe Massa for lap after lap in this month's Italian GP at Monza.

"In the past, he was often forced to use second rate material due to his limited financial possibilities," said Sauber, who sold his Swiss-based team to BMW last year but remains as a consultant.

"You really had to take a closer look to discover his qualities."

Kubica, Poland's first F1 driver, replaced Canada's Jacques Villeneuve at the Hungarian GP in August. BMW Sauber have yet to confirm Kubica for next season but, on the basis of his races so far, it would be surprising if anyone else was in the frame to partner Germany's Nick Heidfeld at the team.