Kobayashi: My aim is to get back to Formula 1

Kamui Kobayashi’s first public appearance as a driver working for Scuderia Ferrari was an opportunity for the Japanese driver to sum up his race season so far.

“It’s been an unusual year for me,” Kamui told ferrari.com. “I chose to tackle a new adventure with Ferrari, racing a 458 GT, rather than not drive. In the FIA WEC, we have some ground to make up on the best, but there are still five races to go and if we improve the car, we still have a chance of bringing home the title. Personally, I believe that I have made a good impression, given this is my first season in closed cars and with a team-mate, Toni Vilander, who is very strong and has been taking part in these races for a decade.”

However Formula 1 is still Kamui’s main aim for next season.

“At the moment, there are many teams who prefer to choose their drivers based on how much money they can bring, rather than on their ability on track: I hope this trend will change, because my aim is to be back there as soon as possible and I am working hard to succeed. Meanwhile, all I can do is give my all to Ferrari in the GT races and be available to the team for whatever they want me to do, such as events like this, or when they ask me to help with the development of the car by working on the simulator.”

Speaking of his experience in Russia, Kamui had this to say: “I was very impressed by the city: you know, I come from a big place like Tokyo, but you don’t feel the weight of history there as you do in Moscow. Also, it was nice to see so much enthusiasm for Formula 1: you can tell there is a lot of passion and a desire to see real racing cars. I really hope that next year, Russia can stage its first ever Grand Prix!”