Kamui Kobayashi wants to finish the race

Kamui Kobayashi avait profité de la blessure de Timo Glock, fin 2009, pour montrer tout son talent au volant de l?une des Toyota, en résistant notamment à Jenson Button, futur Champion du Monde. Cette année, au volant de la BMW-Sauber C29 à moteur Ferrari, the Japanese driver had more difficulty demonstrating his qualities.

« I think I really didn't have much luck during the last two races, Kobayashi analyzes. During the first Grand Prix, I experienced a hydraulic problem which I could not have expected following the winter tests. During the last race, it was the front wing that failed. »

Looking back at the end of the 2009 season, which allowed him to land a drive at Sauber, Kamui Kobayashi believes that the qualities of the Toyota played a big role in his performances. “ Last year, my two races were great. I hadn?t done any testing, not for eight months, and I thought it would be very hard. But the car had very good potential. I spent two years as a test driver (at Toyota) and so I had a lot of contacts within the team. This year, I am in a new stable and we have to work hard. For the moment, I have not been able to show my potential by not finishing any race, so my objective is first to finish the race. »

Victim of a hydraulic problem in Bahrain, Kobayashi quickly went off the track in Melbourne, due to the weakness of his front wing. At the same time, he ruined the races of Nico Hulkenberg et Sébastien Buemi, victims of the Japanese Sauber going off the track. A phenomenon that surprises Kobayashi, as the C29 seemed well born during pre-season testing.

« We were very good during winter testing. This is why we are frustrated today, because we had good pace. We are trying to find a reason for this problem. But we can't always aim for the heights. Hoping to be in the second leading group is an achievable goal. In Bahrain we had to fight with the car, which was difficult to drive, especially over the bumps. But in Melbourne we improved. »

And, before heading into the Sepang weekend, Kobayashi is convinced that the race will be more satisfying for Sauber. He hopes in particular to benefit from his knowledge of the route. “ I think it will go better here, especially since I know the circuit very well. I competed in two GP2 Asia Series races there, a good experience. »