Brazil: Kobayashi replaces Glock

Timo Glock was really not in luck at Suzuka. On Friday, the German driver was already unable to take part in free practice, suffering from a cold. Kamui Kobayashi had then replaced the German, able to ride in front of his audience, despite rain which had disrupted both sessions. But, ultimately, this day could prove decisive for Kamui Koabayshi, who will replace Timo Glock for the entire Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

Although he did not suffer any fractures in Japan, Timo Glock did however suffer from a gash in his leg requiring him to miss the Suzuka race. But, since then, doctors have detected a crack in a vertebra in the German and have therefore not authorized him to participate in the Brazilian Grand Prix, which takes place next week. Kamui Kobayashi, who had already replaced him in Japan for the first two free practice sessions, will therefore go to Interlagos as a full driver, alongside Jarno Trulli.

« The whole team is disappointed for Timo, confides John Howett, boss of the stable. We wish him a quick recovery. Based on the initial diagnosis, we thought Timo would be back for Brazil but unfortunately a new injury was detected and that prevents that. He will stay in Germany to recover and we hope that he will have recovered for Abu Dhabi. But, at this stage, nothing is certain. » La participation de Timo Glock à la dernière course de la saison est d?ailleurs remise en cause. Toyota se décidera en « due time », certainly within a fortnight, between the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi GPs.

Regarding replacing Timo Glock, Howett believes the decision was a no-brainer. “ Kamui was the natural choice and he proved to Suzuka that he could play his role. It is a difficult task for him but he knows that the team will give him full support and we know that he is motivated to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity. »