Sauber has announced the capture of Kamui Kobayashi as one of their two race drivers for the 2010 Formula 1 season. The 23-year old Japanese was a stand in for Timo Glock in the final two races of 2009 and impressed most of the F1 paddock and viewers alike with his brave driving in the Toyota.
After a brilliant points scoring drive in Abu Dhabi, he was tipped by many to get a permanent seat at Toyota, but was left looking for a job after the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of F1. He was then linked to Lotus F1, and also faced the option of going back to Japan to work in dad’s sushi restaurant!
Fortunately Peter Sauber saved Kobayashi’s driving talent from going to waste, taking him to be Sauber’s first signing after BMW pulled out of the partnership. “In the Abu Dhabi race he demonstrated not only that he can drive fast and aggressively, but also his ability to successfully implement a strategy. I am convinced he has a great deal of potential and will be able to make the most of it in our team,” Sauber said.
One more seat available. Nick Heidfeld anyone?
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
Very happy to hear this and good Luck Kobayashi… The hope to make F1lively again. Hopefully a legend is going to be born.
yes agree, this guy is a very exiting driver, have both balls and brains.
Cool! Mr Sauber always had an eye for young talents. Hope Kamui doesn't disappoint him.
Great news. We'll get to see probably one of the most exciting Japanese drivers of all time compete in a full season of F1 and witness more of his daring driving antics. This is the guy who pissed off Jenson Button in 2 Grand Prix by challenging him to one-on-one on track duels and who daringly gambled on a one pit stop strategy in Abu Dhabi, which paid off and landed him in a points-scoring position.
wat a loss for lotus f1…
err.. Paul.. what happens to Petronas after BMW pull out? stay with Sauber?.. or now currently will join Lotus F1?.. is stays then.. well.. well.. cold war is starting… I like this.. there's more reason for Malaysian to watch F1 next season for after all.. hehehe…
nick heidfed not consistent anymore.
Kubica to Renault since renault back in.
It's still nice btw.
Kobayasi with Sauber Petronas?
now we had 2 team to support!
Hell yeah!
I'm losing interest in this F1
Lotus should have gotten him…
good luck kamui..
at least he belongs in a semi malaysian team, petronas, its a good thing to see competition then
one more seat should be Jazeman Jaafar from Malaysia!
Better there than sushi shop
great news… i was hoping 1MF1 Team take him in in the 1st place but.. well, as mystevearn said, "better there than shushi shop"… yup, far better