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Kubica disappointed at Raikkonen decision

Robert Kubica said he would have liked to have Kimi Raikkonen as a team-mate © Sutton Images

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Robert Kubica has expressed his disappointment at Kimi Raikkonen's decision to rule out driving for Renault in 2011.

Team boss Eric Boullier revealed after the Belgian Grand Prix that Raikkonen's management team had approached him about the Finn making a comeback next year. But the 2007 world champion denied on Wednesday that there was any chance of him driving for Renault.

"I thought personally that there was a chance, but apparently it wasn't the case," said Kubica. "What he said I think was completely different to what the overall picture was looking like."

Although Renault has still to decide on whether to retain the services of Russian driver Vitaly Petrov for 2011, Kubica said he would have liked to team up with a former world champion.

"Somehow I'm a bit disappointed because I would have been very pleased with him together in the team. He's a great driver and to have a world champion driver as a team-mate would be really good and I think that's what Renault needs as well. But apparently it wasn't the case and I don't really know what to say.

"I think in the position we are it's clear the biggest gain for the team is to have two strong drivers, if it's possible. That's not possible in all occasions.

"Everybody would agree that the stronger driver you have, the better the chances of having a good result. But on the other hand you have to evaluate if you are able to pay the drivers and be able to run them. But fortunately, as I said, this is not my job."

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