Kobayashi with Caterham F1 in Sochi, Merhi will drive during FP1
Kamui Kobayashi will race for Caterham again this weekend at the Russian Grand Prix of Formula 1 but will also give his place to Roberto Merhi during the first free practice session.
Renewed race-by-race since the Italian Grand Prix, Kamui Kobayashi will once again be behind the wheel of the Caterham CT05 for the race that will take place in Sochi. The information was confirmed by Manfredi Ravetto, the team director.
« Kamui did not have much luck in his home race, but on a new circuit like Sochi, where all drivers start the weekend on the same level because it’s a new track, he can really make a difference. » A difference that may be more challenging to make in the absence of Free Practice 1 sessions, which will be contested by the Spaniard Roberto Merhi, as was the case in Monza and Suzuka.
The Japanese driver is happy about the news and explains his preparation: « It’s always extremely exciting to drive on a new circuit. I had the chance to do a few laps of this new Russian circuit in Sochi with Codemasters’ F1 2014 game in Suzuka last week and, even though it was just a video game, it seemed like an interesting circuit because of its variety of corners, some of them very tight, and high-speed sections. I can’t wait to drive it for real. It will be an interesting challenge for all of us, and we will do our best. »
Like many, Kobayashi will have a thought for Jules Bianchi, seriously injured in Suzuka and still in critical condition: « Our thoughts are also with Jules and his family during these difficult times. »
