Robert Kubica is the first Polish driver ever to compete in Formula 1. Born in Krakow on December 7, 1984, the 24-year-old won his maiden Grand Prix at the unpredictable Canadian circuit and finds himself on 46 points - just two off the pace - at the top of this year's Drivers' Championship.

Of course, it all began for Kubica at a very early age and a prolific time in karting. After entering the Polish Karting Championship aged 11 he triumphed six times in three years. His parents helped and nurtured his obvious talent and decided he needed to compete in a more competitive area and entered the youngster into the Italian Junior Karting Championship, where he dutifully became the first foriegner to capture the crown. Kubica also won the Monaco Kart Cup, which is held on part of the famous circuit in the South of France.

His professional career kick-started as a test driver for Formula Renault. Here he became part of Renaults Driver Development programme. He was victorious four times during this stint and, at the Interlagos circuit in Brazil, pulled off a dominant performance.

From here the Formula 3 Euro Series beckoned and further success was achieved which, in turn, helped the decision by Formula 1 Renault to take the young Pole on board in 2005. He had won the World Series by Renault and it was this victory that convinced the higher echelons at to take the plunge with him.

Jacques Villeneuve and Nick Heidfeld were in front of Kubica at BMW Sauber but, after Villeneuve had complained of headaches after a crash, Kubica was thrown in at the deep end. It was a topsy-turvy time for Kubica but obviously thrilling and he put in some fantastic performances in what really turned out to be his debut season.

It was in 2007 that Kubica would really want to make his mark. However, at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix he was involved with one of the most stunning crashes ever seen. How he survived with only minor injuries was amazing. It was one of those airborne-type 189mph crashes that live in the memory and remind us all how dangerous F1 can be.

Kubica's recovery was quick but he had to miss Indianapolis as a precaution before returning to, quite amazingly, finish fourth at the French Grand Prix - a drive in which he was awarded driver of the day by broadcaster Martin Brundle.

So, a nice bit of background there on a driver we Brits know basically nothing about, simply because we too have a very talented risk-taking lunatic whom we wish to be world champion. There is a word of warning for Lewis Hamilton fans: Kubica is ridiculously consistent and has been all season. The guy certainly has what it takes to win F1 - the two of them do.

I think they are the most exciting in the business at the minute and we could be watching them duel for years to come. It's going to be a close, close call. Experience with the other contenders may still win it for them this year - but Kubica will become the first ever Polish Formula 1 world champion. Mark my words.