Kobayashi: It's Toyota or sushi

Tuesday 3rd November 2009

If he doesn't land a Toyota race-seat for next year's Championship, Kamui Kobayashi could be working in his father's sushi restaurant instead of racing.

Having been called up to replace the injured Timo Glock, Kobayashi impressed in his two F1 races, fighting wheel-to-wheel Championship winner Jenson Button in Brazil and later claiming his first F1 points in Abu Dhabi, beating his vastly-experienced team-mate Jarno Trulli.

However, Kobayashi's impressive P6 around the Yas Marina circuit has yet to secure him a full-time race-seat for next season. And if it doesn't, a lack of funds could force him out of motor sport.

"I have no budget, no budget. So I cannot drive GP2 for next year. I would probably go back to Japan to maybe work with my father in his sushi restaurant! It was like that two months ago, seriously," he told reporters.

But with high praise from Toyota motorsport boss John Howett, it appears to be only a matter of time before the Japanese carmaker announces they have signed the Japanese driver.

"For me it is good," he said of Howett's words of praise. "But I don't know. I haven't signed anything. Of course, I still only have Toyota possibility because I am a Toyota young driver. But I don't want to believe so much.

"If I have to drive, I will drive and do what I have to do. I will prepare for next year to drive, but I cannot say anything about next year yet because it is not my decision."

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Your Comments

kkris44

"I am not sure sushi is now the only option for Kobayashi after Toyota leaving. He showed something, raced only two races, in both managed to overtake current world champion, maybe if Jenson does not agree with Brawn he could go there????"

H1981

"Sushi it is then.....a real shame..... Toro roso should sign this guy or one if the new teams!!!"

harrylime57

"Shame Toyata have pulled out of F1; I hope Kamui can somehow stay in motorsport rather than working at his Father's restaurant. He has already demonstrated a hunger and degree of ability at this level that it would be a great shame to go unrewarded - maybe in one of the newer teams to keep a foothold in the sport."