Kobayashi impressed Toyota

Kamui Kobayashi, if he scored his first points in Formula 1 ce week-end à Abu Dhabi, a aussi et surtout marqué les esprits. Certes, sa sixième place est due, en partie, à la stratégie efficace à un arrêt menée par Toyota. Certes, le Japonais a pu s’appuyer sur une solide expérience en tant que pilote d’essai, ayant réalisé de nombreux kilomètres pour Toyota afin de développer la car last winter. But, in two Grands Prix, the Japanese showed himself more than other drivers in one season.

Replacing Timo Glock at short notice during free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, the winner of the 2/2008 GP09 Asia Series then took over for the Brazilian Grand Prix, following the German's accident during qualifying. Japan. For his first F1 Grand Prix, Kobayashi showed astonishing pace, standing out by holding off future world champion Jenson Button.

This Sunday, the Japanese distinguished himself again. And, once again, Kobayashi competed with Button, overtaking the Briton after the latter's refueling. Then, thanks to an effective one-stop strategy, the young driver finished in sixth place, scoring his first three points in Formula 1.

« It was a very good race for me, confided the Japanese in Abu Dhabi. At the start, I overtook Räikkönen and that proved decisive because it would have been difficult to finish in the top six if I had stayed behind him in the first stint. I was confident, I had the pace to get into the points. »

Barely aware of the performance he achieved, ahead of much more experienced drivers, Kamui Kobayashi knows that he had the chance to prove himself. “ I wasn't even expecting to drive in Formula 1 this season, so I have to thank Toyota for this opportunity. My goal was to finish in the points today but I'm surprised to finish in the Top 6. It's a fantastic result and I'm really happy »

After such a performance, and while Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock are expected to leave the Toyota team, the Japanese can expect to make his ?official? entry. in F1. The team president confirmed that Kobayashi's tenure would be considered. “II am very impressed, John Howett told Autosport. We're going to have to take a serious look at this because he's had some really good results. »

So, after the departure of Kazuki Nakajima, Japan should not be left without a driver in F1 next season. If Kamui Kobayashi is confirmed at Toyota, he will have to confirm, as a starter, his good performances at the end of the season.