Kubica targets F1 title after first win

By Simon Evans

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Canadian Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica said he will go flat out to win the Formula One title after taking the championship lead on Sunday.

BMW Sauber's Polish driver claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory on Sunday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to take over the lead from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and he vowed not to give it up easily.

"If you are leading the world championship after seven races and, apart from Australia, your worst finish is fourth, well, you are going to use the opportunities," said Kubica who was second in Malaysia and Monaco.

"I hope the team will give me the maximum and I will give my maximum to fight for it," added the 23-year-old. "We have to work, fight and push but we certainly won't be lacking motivation.

"If you are the leader after seven races then you clearly have a car that can win races. If you have a top car then you are a top team," added the Krakow-born driver.

Kubica, who suffered a horrific crash here last year, proved a popular winner with fans, including a substantial Polish contingent, chanting his name as he took to the podium.

The victory was the first by a team other than Ferrari or McLaren since the Japanese Grand Prix of October 2006 won by Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso, a run of 24 races in a row.

"It was a great atmosphere and great to have so many Polish fans and others cheering for me. It was very special for me to win here, especially after last year," said Kubica, now four points clear of Hamilton.