F1 briefs: Kubica, McLaren-Mercedes and Austin

Robert Kubica will continue his push for racing fitness by stepping up to the wheel of a full world rally-spec Citroen C4 for two forthcoming minor rallies (Rally di Coma and Rallye du Var).  “I can’t wait to drive a car that is as quick and has been as successful as the C4 WRC,” said the former BMW and Renault driver, who was seriously injured in a rally crash in February 2011.

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Team boss Martin Whitmarsh has once again fended off speculation McLaren could be set to switch engine suppliers, amid rumours the British marque is eyeing a collaboration with Honda.  “It is going to be McLaren-Mercedes for quite a few years to come,” he told the Daily Mail.  Whitmarsh played down reports the Woking based team is looking at its options because it will now have to pay for a ‘customer’ supply of Mercedes power.  “I think we have got a very good deal with them, but I think more importantly than that is we have got a good partnership,” he insisted.

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The first of F1’s six cargo 747s has touched down in Austin, Texas, ahead of the Circuit of the Americas’ first US grand prix next weekend.  Local broadcaster KVUE said the ‘Cargolux’ flight touched down at Austin-Bergstrom international airport on Wednesday afternoon.  “A lot of that (flight’s cargo) is supplies for the paddock area,” track president Steve Sexton said.  The Circuit of the Americas is an all-new facility, and Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali told La Stampa his team’s analysis is that it is a “copy and paste” of other well-known grand prix layouts.

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