Kamui Kobayashi returns to Toyota

Kamui Kobayashi is a true product of Toyota’s training program, which has supported him throughout his career. He entered the orbit of the world’s top manufacturer in 2001 when he won the Japanese karting championship.

He then climbed the various levels of competition in Europe (Formula Renault, Formula 3, GP2) before making his F1 debut at the end of the 2009 season, following Timo Glock’s injury before the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, Toyota had decided to withdraw at the end of that same season. He nevertheless managed to complete his first full season the following year with Sauber.

After a return to F1 last season, notably thanks to his fundraising efforts from his Japanese fans, the bankruptcy of his employer once again closed the doors of the paddock to him, after a season spent with Ferrari in endurance racing.

This time, he seems to have given up on F1 and is focusing on competing with Toyota. He will therefore have a dual role in the upcoming season as he will both compete in the Japanese Super Formula and be Toyota’s third driver in the World Endurance Championship.

He will find a certain number of his former engineers there, already present during the F1 era: « It’s great to be back at Toyota. I’m grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. I already know many team members from my experience with Toyota in Formula 1. So I feel at home. »

In his new role, he will serve both as a reserve driver in case a regular driver is unavailable and will also be responsible for development testing: « I have already tested the TS040 Hybrid and was impressed. The hybrid technology is truly advanced. It’s an important new year for the team. I’m looking forward to building a strong working relationship with everyone and contributing to the car’s development. »

He must also hope to follow the path of Mike Conway, who has just been appointed after also having the role of reserve within the world champion team.

With the participation of www.Racingbusiness.fr