Formula One news

Kobayashi hoping Suzuka practice pays off

Kamui Kobayashi is hoping that his short-lived practice sessions at Suzuka two weeks ago help play at least a small part as he prepares for his Formula One debut in Brazil this weekend. The Toyota test driver replaces Timo Glock as the German continues his recovery following his qualifying crash in Japan.

Kobayashi joins Williams' Kazuki Nakajima as the second Japanese driver in the field

With Kobayashi having subbed for an ill Glock on Friday a fortnight ago, the Japanese reserve driver does so for a whole weekend in Brazil as Glock - a major part of last year's Brazilian Grand Prix, by being passed by World Champion to be Lewis Hamilton on the last lap - remains out of action.

"I'm not nervous but it is quite exciting!" Kobayashi said at Interlagos. "I really want to start with confidence to do a good job for this weekend because confidence is really importance - if you are nervous, or whatever, you can make mistakes. I want to be confident and if I need to learn something."

Kamui does remain realistic, however, having kept a close eye on the season so far. "When I think that Giancarlo (Fisichella), Liuzzi and Grosjean came into cars in the middle of the season and it was really difficult, I know it will be difficult; but this is a really good step for me and I hope to do a really good job for the team as well."

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