Toyota Young Drivers Programme member Kobayashi moves into
Formula 1
Toyota Motorsport GmbH is delighted to confirm that Kamui
Kobayashi, a product of the Toyota Young Drivers Programme
(TDP), will step up to Formula 1 in 2008 as Panasonic Toyota
Racing’s third driver.
Kamui, 21, has been associated with Toyota since 2001, and
he first raced single-seaters in the Esso Formula Toyota Championship
in Japan in 2002.
The TDP scheme, run by Toyota Motor Corporation, is designed
to help young drivers achieve their ambitions to compete at
the top in motorsport and Kamui’s new role comes soon
after news of fellow TDP member Kazuki Nakajima’s 2008
race drive with Williams.
Panasonic Toyota Racing Chairman and Team Principal Tadashi
Yamashina said: “I am very pleased to welcome Kamui
to the team. He tested the car last winter and showed he had
the potential to drive in Formula 1 in the future. Now, after
another season gaining experience in Formula 3, we believe
he is ready for the challenge of Formula 1. It is also very
gratifying to see the TDP scheme delivering results and helping
a promising young driver to reach Formula 1.”
Kamui has progressed through the single-seater ranks in Europe
after making a name for himself in Japanese junior racing.
With TDP support, Kamui moved to Europe in 2004 and spent
two years in the Formula Renault Eurocup and Italian Formula
Renault Championship, winning both crowns in 2005 - a title
double only achieved previously by one other driver.
From there he stepped up to Formula 3, the traditional breeding
ground for future Formula 1 stars, and in his two seasons
in the Euro Series he proved to be a formidable competitor,
showing all the speed and commitment necessary to become the
new Panasonic Toyota Racing third driver.
Kamui said: “The TDP scheme has been very supportive
of me during my career and I am very grateful for all that
support.
“This is a great challenge for me and I am very excited
about becoming a Formula 1 driver. Since the start of my career
I have dreamed of reaching Formula 1 and to have the chance
to join Panasonic Toyota Racing as third driver is a fantastic
opportunity for me.
“My first tests for the team last winter went well
but I still have things to learn about Formula 1 and it will
be a great experience for me to test more regularly for the
team.
“The role of third driver is very important as I will
be helping a lot with the development of the car throughout
the year. I am sure I will learn a lot about Formula 1 cars
and hopefully this will help me in my future career but for
now I am focused on helping the team move forward.”
Kamui Kobayashi Profile
Nationality: Japanese
Born: 13 September 1986 - Hyogo, Japan
Marital status: Single
Height: 1.68m
Weight: 57kg
Hobbies: Music and karate
1996: SL Takarazuka Tournament, Cadet Class: 3rd
1997: SL All Japan Cadet Class: 1st
1998: JAF Cup West Cadet Class: 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 Class: 1st
Asia Pacific Kart Championship, ICA Class
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 Italian Championship: 4th (2 wins)
2005: Formula Renault Italian Championship: 1st (6 wins)
Formula Renault Euro Championship: 1st (5 wins)
2006: Formula 3 Euro Series: 8th (Rookie of the Year)
2007: Formula 3 Euro Series: 4th (1 win)
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