Archive for the ‘Kamui Kobayashi’ Category
Sauber confirm first driver for 2010
Sauber have announced the signing of Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi this morning. Kobayashi moves to Sauber after impressing for Toyota during the last two races of the 2009 season, in which he secured a sixth place in the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The Japanese driver replaced Timo Glock after the German injured himself during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old was expected to race for Toyota in 2010, but once the manufacturer decided to leave the sport, the young driver had no drive for the forthcoming season. Sauber though, who bought out BMW in November, clearly saw enough in the youngster and has taken the chance to snap him up.
An ecstatic Kobayashi told reporters: “Ever since the start of my career I have dreamed of racing in Formula 1.”
He continued: “I will do my best for Peter Sauber’s team and I am proud to be to be carry on flying the Japanese flag in Formula 1.”
Kobayashi is the first driver to be confirmed for the newly-bought team, who are believed to be interested in taking Nick Heidfeld on as well. Heidfeld though, who has driven for BMW since 2006, is being linked with the vacant Mercedes drive. And, until Mercedes announce their second driver, an announcement about Sauber’s second driver is unlikely to be before that.
Other drivers linked to Sauber are Giancarlo Fisichella and Pedro de la Rosa, who are both test drivers at Ferrari and McLaren respectively.
