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Kubica Gets First Formula One Win

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The Associated Press

Published: June 9, 2008

MONTREAL - Robert Kubica grabbed his first Formula One victory and the series points lead Sunday after Lewis Hamilton made a huge mistake that took him and world champion Kimi Raikkonen out of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Defending race winner and polesitter Hamilton slammed his Mercedes McLaren into the rear of Raikkonen's Ferrari in the pits early in the race, taking out both and giving the 23-year-old Kubica a clear road to victory in his 29th F1 start.

It was a great day for the BMW Sauber team, winning for the first time in its 42 races as an F1 team and sweeping the top two spots with Nick Heidfeld finishing second, well ahead of Red Bull Racing's David Coulthard in third.

As Kubica crossed the finish line 16.4 seconds ahead of his teammate - so far that the runner-up wasn't even in sight on the 2.71-mile track - BMW racing boss Mario Theissen radioed, "That's a historic win, Robert. You are leading the championship points."

The Polish driver's simple answer: "Thanks."

He did show his excitement in the cockpit, pumping one fist in the air and then the other, then hugging everyone within reach after getting out of his car.

Even though he had two second-place finishes this season, it's likely Kubica would still be looking for that first win if not for Hamilton's surprising pit road gaffe.

After the race, officials announced that Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who ran into Hamilton, will be penalized 10 positions on the starting grid at the next event, the French Grand Prix on June 22.

NHRA: Funny Car star Tony Pedregon bounced back from a fire during qualifying to win for the second time this season and the 38th time in his career, beating Scott Kalitta in the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Ill.

Racing in 87-degree heat with the track at 101 degrees, Pedregon won with a quarter-mile run of 4.818 seconds at 319.75 mph. Kalitta finished in 4.957 at 308.02.

Other winners were Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock), Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Chris Rivas (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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