Kobayashi with Ferrari The first Japanese driver at Maranello!

After an acclaimed performance in Formula 1, including a podium and fastest lap in 2012, Kamui Kobayashi will make his start in endurance racing with Ferrari!26 year old Kamui Kobayashi is a great hope of motor sport. His passion and daring manoeuvres allowed him to distinguish himself in his third F1 GP with a sixth place in Abu Dhabi in 2009. He confirmed his potential at Sauber the next year, especially during his home GP in Japan where he finished in 7th place after four audacious passes at the hairpin. It was also on the same circuit of Suzuka where he became, in October, the third Japanese driver on an F1 podium (after Aguri Suzuki in Japan in 1990 and Takuma Sato in the USA in 2004).

In 2013, Kamui Kobayashi enters Ferrari where he will join Gianmaria Bruni and Giancarlo Fisichella, winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE Pro class. Nicknamed “The Tsunami” he follows the trail of Masanori Sekiya and Seiji Ara, the only Japanese drivers to have won in the Sarthe, respectively in 1995 (McLaren) and 2004 (Audi).

Kamui Kobayashi: “This will be my first experience with endurance racing and GT cars. I am eager to begin working in the AF Corse team with which I really hope to aim for the title. I will work hard and give it all I have, knowing that I can count on the support of my fans. I thank Ferrari for this opportunity.”

Julien HERGAULT