Kobayashi will race for Toyota in Brazil
Toyota announced earlier today that Timo Glock will not be able to race in Brazil due to injuries he suffered in qualifying at Suzuka. Glock was initially diagnosed with only a minor cut to his leg. Subsequent medical checks in Germany have however revealed a cracked vertebra. Toyota’s third driver Kamui Kobayashi will replace Timo at Interlagos.
“Obviously everyone in the team is very disappointed and feels for Timo; we wish him a very speedy recovery. Based on the initial diagnosis, we fully expected Timo to return in Brazil but unfortunately a different injury has been revealed which prevents that.
He will remain in Germany to recover and we hope he can recuperate in time for Abu Dhabi, although at this stage the situation is not clear.
Kamui was the natural choice to step in and he proved in Suzuka that he is capable of holding his own. It is a difficult task for him but he knows the team will give him its complete support and we know he is motivated to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.” – John Howett
Last season there was not a single driver change (if we do not count the race seats lost following Super Aguri’s withdrawal). This year we have already seen Toro Rosso and Renault replacing one of their drivers, Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella taking over Felipe Massa’s duties at Ferrari and promotion of Vitantonio Liuzzi to Fisi’s former seat at Force India. Kamui Kobayashi will become the 25th driver to compete in F1 this season.
Here are brief Kamui Kobayashi career highlights:
1996 – SL Takarazuka Tournament, Cadet: 3rd
1997 – SL All Japan Cadet: 1st
1998 – JAF Cup West Cadet: 1st
1999 – SL All Japan Tournament (S stock, D class): 1st
2000 – All Japan Junior Kart Championship Suzuka Kart Championship: 1st
2001 – All Japan Kart Championship, ICA: 1st, Asia Pacific Kart Championship, ICA, Esso Formula Toyota Racing School scholarship
2002 – Kart Euro Championship, Esso Formula Toyota Series (1 race)
2003 – Esso Formula Toyota Series: 2nd
2004 – Formula Renault Italia: 4th (2 wins)
2005 – Formula Renault Italia: 1st (6 wins), Formula Renault Eurocup: 1st (5 wins)
2006 – Formula 3 Euro Series: 8th (Rookie of the Year), Macau GP pole position and qualification race win
2007 – Formula 3 Euro Series: 4th (1 win)
2008 – GP2 Series Asia: 6th (2 wins), GP2 Series: 16th (1 win), F1: Panasonic Toyota Racing, third driver
2009 – GP2 Asia Series: 1st (2 wins), GP2 Series: 16th (1 podium), F1: Panasonic Toyota Racing, third driver
Photo: Panasonic Toyota F1
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