Historic Triumph: Robert Kubica Claims Pole Position at COTA in Shocking Upset
In a stunning turn of events at the Circuit of the Americas, Robert Kubica has etched his name in the annals of motorsport history by becoming the first driver to secure pole position for a privately-entered, non-factory car in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. This remarkable feat came during the fifth round of the championship, the Lone Star Le Mans, and has sent shockwaves through the racing community.
Kubica drove the #83 AF Corse Ferrari to a jaw-dropping qualifying performance that left the competition in the dust. His teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi, piloted the factory #51 Ferrari to a commendable second place, while Jean-Eric Vergne secured third in the #93 Peugeot. The stage was set for a fierce battle as the Hypercar qualifying session kicked off, with all drivers vying for the best positioning on the track.
The initial 12-minute qualifying session turned into a frantic scramble as drivers fought for space, fully aware that worsening track conditions could jeopardize their chances. Antonio Giovinazzi laid down an early marker with a time of 2:15.319, but as the track began to improve, the competition ramped up dramatically. A flurry of fast laps ensued, and with just eight minutes remaining, Nico Varrone surged ahead with a blistering 2:08.014 in the #99 Proton Competition Porsche 963.
As the session progressed, the Ferraris showcased their speed, with Nielsen clocking a staggering 2:04.112 to take the lead momentarily. But it was Varrone who ultimately emerged as the fastest with a time of 1:58.156. Kubica’s impressive drive placed him just a quarter of a second behind, while Kevin Estre in the #6 Porsche rounded out the top three.
However, the session was not without its drama. Notable exits included Julien Andlauer in the factory #5 Porsche, Stoffel Vandoorne in the #94 Peugeot, and even the legendary Mick Schumacher, who found himself stuck in the middle of the pack. The Cadillac JOTA team faced a particularly tough luck, with team principal Dieter Gass lamenting their decision to opt for wet tires, as the track conditions unexpectedly improved, leaving them stranded at the bottom of the classification.
When the coveted Hyperpole session commenced, the factory Ferraris were quick to assert their dominance, with Giovinazzi initially setting a fast pace at 2:02.155. However, Kubica was not to be outdone. In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, he unleashed a sensational lap of 1:57.655, solidifying his pole position and leaving Giovinazzi trailing just 0.096 seconds behind. Estre’s Porsche took third, but it was clear that the spotlight was on Kubica’s remarkable achievement.
Though Giovinazzi attempted to reclaim his position with a fast middle sector, a slight misstep in the final sector thwarted his efforts, demonstrating the high stakes and pressure of the session. Vergne’s commendable performance put him third, but he too could not match Kubica’s blistering pace, finishing a staggering 0.851 seconds adrift.
As the dust settled, the grid was finalized with Estre in fourth, followed by Nielsen’s factory Ferrari in fifth and Varrone’s Porsche in sixth. The rest of the top ten included a mix of talent, from Charles Milesi in the #35 Alpine to Alex Riberas in the #009 Aston Martin.
This electrifying qualifying session has set the stage for an exhilarating race ahead. Robert Kubica’s unprecedented achievement is not just a victory for him, but a powerful statement for private entrants in the world of endurance racing. As the engines roar to life, all eyes will be on Kubica and the #83 Ferrari, ready to challenge the status quo and make history on the track.