Kamui Kobayashi

Of all the drivers in the Formula One fraternity, Kamui Kobayashi (小林 可夢偉) seems to be one of the most difficult to work out.

Formula One fans love watching him, and he's famed for overtaking, but he does less overtaking than many drivers out on the field. He's rarely been defensively punchy other than his début in Brazil in 2009.

His GP2 record is less than exceptional. He would never have got into Formula One if he was a different nationality.

I think Kobayashi must be praised, but not for the usual reasons. What is outstanding is that given the opportunity, he picks up points. He did so at Abu Dhabi in 2009, for much of the latter half of 2010 and his run of points scores in 2011 (not counting his dsq in Australia) was longer than anyone's bar Button, Webber and Vettel. Excellent strategic decisions from his advisors in Spa and Valencia in 2010 and in Monaco and Canada in 2011 have seen excellent finishes.

Martin Brundle's favourite word when referring to Kobayashi is the typical "banzai", which refers to punchy Japanese drivers. I would argue that Kobayashi is less banzai than some of his less than illustrious predecessors, and thus more able to finish Grands Prix, and well placed to become the best driver that Grand Prix racing Japan has ever produced.
 
Indeed.

It will be good to see Kamui back. Its a shame its not in a better car but maybe he can work his way back up the grid again.

Although having said that not one Marussia or Caterham driver has gone on to drive for any other team but Marussia or Caterham (unless you count D'ambrisio and Heiki's sub appearences).
 
Tongue in cheek .... I hope this doesn't set a new precedent for "pay drivers" ...

Bring us your cash ...
<what about me>
Just be thankful you are racing ...
 
Kamui has set the million wasn't enough to get him the seat and I don't think he's given it to Caterham from my understanding.
 
Boo and/or Hiss - another driver who had his chance and proved he wasn't really top draw manages to wheedle his way back into F1. Welcome back Japan's answer to Mark Surer, please don't hang around for too long as you are potentially blocking a seat for a truly talented driver Mr Kobayashi.

Minority of one?
 
Back
Top Bottom