Kobayashi in the dark

Kamui Kobayashi, who thought he had earned his place in Formula 1 by performing brilliantly in the two Grands Prix in which he participated, does not know what his future will hold. The Japanese wants to take his time.

Published on 23/11/2009 à 16:45

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Kamui Kobayashi thought he had done what it took to win a seat in Formula 1. In fact, he did so, performing brilliantly at the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, the only two F1 races he took part in. The Japanese was almost confirmed at Toyota? before the Japanese manufacturer announced its withdrawal from F1. A decision which conditions the future of a pilot who thought he had done the hardest part.

« I had a meeting with the night shift, the day before (the announcement) I heard that Toyota could leave F1 Kobayashi told GPUpdate.net at the Toyota Motor Sports Festival. “ I thought I could be a racing driver in 2010 but, when I went to the meeting, the team told me there was a possibility of withdrawing from Formula 1. »

« They told me that this eviction was not confirmed, continues the Japanese pilot, and that there was a chance that we would stay in F1. But they also told me that I shouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement the next morning. When I woke up, my manager told me that my team had indeed decided to withdraw from F1. I was really shocked. »

While he thought he was linked to Toyota, the Japanese driver does not know what his next season will be like. “ My manager talked to me about other teams but, honestly, I want to take a break. I let my manager take care of it. I will return to Europe in December and I will be able to discuss the next season. But, for the moment, I don't know what I will do. »