Although Kubica was unable to lead from the front as Felipe Massa led a Ferrari one-two with world champion Kimi Raikkonen, the Pole believes his team are firmly in the hunt for both titles.

BMW Sauber currently lead the constructors’ championship, whilst Kubica is joint-third in the drivers’ standings, two points behind team-mate Nick Heidfeld and five adrift of leader Raikkonen.

Going into the first European race of the season at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, Kubica sees no reason why BMW Sauber will not be at the head of affairs again.

“Everyone will be coming to this race on top form,” said Kubica.

“I guess all the teams will be lining up with an improved car, but at the same time that means we also have to get the maximum out of ours.

“If we manage that, and since last week’s test in Barcelona I am firmly convinced we will, I’ll be racing right at the front again.”

Although Ferrari’s success in Bahrain was an emphatic one, Kubica cannot see such an outright victory being achieved in Spain.

“I think we will have a more predictable race than the first three overseas grands prix,” added Kubica.

“The conditions this time round are completely different. All the teams know the Barcelona circuit like the backs of their hands because we do a lot of testing here.

“That’s why I expect the gaps between the teams to become a lot smaller than in the last few races.”

Following his side’s stunning start to the season, BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen knows there is now a three-horse race for the titles.

“It has been a textbook start to the season for our team, and we are no longer the number three team as last year,” said Theissen.

“Over the first three races we have carved out our niche right up there among the top three teams.

“We are accordingly elated and fired up incentively.”