Kamui Kobayashi focusing on remaining races

Kamui Kobayashi is remaining focused on the remaining six races of the season, as speculation rumbles on regarding the Japanese driver’s future in the sport. With Sergio Perez replacing Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for 2013 after a highly competitive season, Kamui Kobayashi’s future with the team is still unconfirmed.

Whereas Sergio Perez has stormed to three podium finishes this season, Kamui Kobayashi has as of yet been unable to replicate his team-mate’s success. Although the Japanese driver qualified on the front row of the grid at the Belgian Grand Prix, Kobayashi has failed to enjoy the same amount of success as Perez throughout 2012. Largely due to Perez’s superlative pace for Sauber, the Mexican driver will next year find himself racing for a World Championship winning outfit in McLaren, whereas Kobayashi continues to fight for his future at Sauber.

However, with pressure on Kamui Kobayashi to perform well in the remaining six races of the season, the 26-year-old has stipulated that he is remaining focused on producing competitive results for the Hinwil-based outfit in the remaining six races. Kobayashi’s personal best result so far this season was 4th at the German Grand Prix, however a podium finish in the remaining races would certainly be welcomed by both himself and the team.

“I have no idea [who he’ll be driving for in 2013]. I think we still have six races left to race and Suzuka for me is pretty important, so I just try to focus and think later.” Explained Kamui Kobayashi, who’s personal best result on home soil was 7th in 2010. “These two drivers [Hamilton and Perez] are the first movement [in the driver market] so this is quite exciting for the rest of the time.”

When asked whether Kamui Kobayashi viewed racing in front if his adoring home fans as a distraction or an encouragement, the Japanese driver was quick to confirm that he saw it as more of an encouragement. Like many drivers up and down the grid, Kobayashi views his local support as positive, and is eager to reward them with a competitive result this weekend.

“I think it’s more an encouragement, that means it’s great to be here, back to Suzuka, which is a really great circuit and my favorite as well.” Confirmed Kobayashi, “And definitely our car could be competitive here as well. After Singapore, which is a little bit difficult circuit for us, back to Suzuka which is our best track, I think it will be great. Really, there will be a big amount of power from a lot of fans and the Japanese people at the race.”

The last Japanese driver to step onto the podium was Takuma Sato at the 2004 French Grand Prix, however it is unquestionable that Kamui Kobayashi is striving to change that stat as the 2012 seasons draws to a conclusion. It’s clearly evident that the Ferrari-powered Sauber C31 can produce competitive results, however it has so far only been Sergio Perez who has unlocked its true potential.

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