Kubica: We're still chasing Ferrari and McLaren

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Canadian Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica remains remarkably humble after his first Formula One win, saying BMW Sauber need to find more pace to keep up with Ferrari and McLaren at the French Grand Prix.

Kubica won in Montreal after McLaren's Lewis Hamilton ended his and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen's races by crashing into the Finn in the pit lane.

Kubica profited from Hamilton's inexplicable error, leading in team-mate Nick Heidfeld and taking the lead in the race for the drivers' championship.

Kubica said the team needed to get more speed from their cars.

"That will help us to close the gap to Ferrari and McLaren. My goal is to score as many points as possible and to still be in a strong position after the race."

BMW Sauber technical director Willy Rampf said the 1-2 finish had given the team a huge boost.

"We will be pulling out all the stops to defend Robert's lead in the World Championship standings."

However, he said Kubica and Heidfeld would have to be aggressive on the Circuit de Nevers.

"The Adelaide hairpin at the end of the long straight is the perfect place for overtaking, as the circuit is very wide here and there is a generous run-off area."

Heidfeld said he was a fan of Magny-Cours, which will host its last grand prix this year, and its rural setting in central France.

"I'm lucky enough to spend the GP weekend here each year in a small moated castle. There are only a handful of rooms, which don't come with a TV, radio or other luxuries but do have three-meter-thick walls."

Heidfeld said the circuit had an "extremely even surface" but several blind corners and two high-speed chicanes were testing.

"The final chicane does not fit in so harmoniously with the rest of the track. It has very high kerbs, which you have to ride -- and this often produces spectacular shots of cars on two wheels."

BMW Motor sport director Mario Theissen said he was also a fan of the circuit's setting.

"I also greatly appreciate the rural surroundings of the Circuit de Nevers, as here it is all about the sport. The circuit is very demanding, and the travelers community atmosphere in the paddock has its own particular charm."

F1 surpremo Bernie Ecclestone announced last month that Magny-Cours would host its last grand prix this year.

He has repeatedly said the circuit is too isolated and that there is a limited amount of facilities for fans.

Ecclestone is pushing for a new street race in or near central Paris.

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