Kobayashi's career in summary
Kobayashi will stand in for Glock in Brazil
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 11, Oct 2009 11:48
By Adam Leveridge.
GP2 Series runner and Toyota reserve driver Kamui Kobayashi will stand-in for the injured Timo Glock in Brazil, after it was confirmed that the German had suffered a cracked vertebra in his high-speed accident during qualifying for the Japanese grand prix at Suzuka.
Kobayashi made his debut for the Cologne-based squad during Friday at Suzuka, when Glock was rendered unfit to take part in practice due to a fever.
Glock then returned to the cockpit on Saturday morning only to crash out of Q2 at the final chicane and his injuries would stop him from taking part in the race on Sunday.
Kobayashi raced go-karts from 1997, until he graduated to car racing in 2003.
His biggest achievements to date are his championship victory in the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2005 and his GP2 Asia title in 2008 when he also became the reserve driver for the Toyota formula one team.
In a statement, Toyota team principal John Howett said: "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."
Kamui Kobayashi's Career Summary:
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)
2007 Formula 3 Euro Series: 4th (1 win)
2008 GP2 Asia Series: 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