Jump to content

Kamui Kobayashi: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Josvebot (talk | contribs)
m v1.43b - WP:WCW project (Unicode control characters)
Rescuing 2 sources and tagging 0 as dead. #IABot (v1.6.1)
Line 123: Line 123:
Kobayashi took his maiden podium in Formula One with third place at the {{F1 GP|2012|Japanese}}, after lasting through race-long pressure from Jenson Button. Kobayashi became the first Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium in Japan in 22 years, after [[Aguri Suzuki]] in the [[1990 Japanese Grand Prix]], and was the third Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium after Suzuki and [[Takuma Sato]] in the [[2004 United States Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/103182|first1=Jonathan|last1=Noble|first2=Matt|last2=Beer|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=7 October 2012|accessdate=7 October 2012|title=Kamui Kobayashi celebrates 'amazing' podium|quote=Kobayashi's result equalled the best ever finish for Japanese drivers in Formula 1&nbsp;– achieved by Aguri Suzuki at Suzuka in 1990 and Takuma Sato at Indianapolis in 2004.}}</ref>
Kobayashi took his maiden podium in Formula One with third place at the {{F1 GP|2012|Japanese}}, after lasting through race-long pressure from Jenson Button. Kobayashi became the first Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium in Japan in 22 years, after [[Aguri Suzuki]] in the [[1990 Japanese Grand Prix]], and was the third Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium after Suzuki and [[Takuma Sato]] in the [[2004 United States Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/103182|first1=Jonathan|last1=Noble|first2=Matt|last2=Beer|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=7 October 2012|accessdate=7 October 2012|title=Kamui Kobayashi celebrates 'amazing' podium|quote=Kobayashi's result equalled the best ever finish for Japanese drivers in Formula 1&nbsp;– achieved by Aguri Suzuki at Suzuka in 1990 and Takuma Sato at Indianapolis in 2004.}}</ref>


On 23 November 2012, Sauber announced that Kobayashi would not be a part of the team's line-up for the {{F1|2013}} season, as [[Nico Hülkenberg]] and [[Esteban Gutiérrez]] would form the race team and [[Robin Frijns]] as reserve driver.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/20463420|title=Mexican Esteban Gutierrez signs on at Sauber|first=Andrew|last=Benson|work=[[BBC Sport]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=23 November 2012|accessdate=23 November 2012}}</ref> Kobayashi ultimately finished the season in twelfth place in the Drivers' Championship, with 60 points.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sauberf1team.com/en/news.cfm?id=93AQA924-Brazilian_GP_Race|title=Brazilian GP: Race|date=25 November 2012|accessdate=1 December 2012|work=Sauber F1 Team|publisher=[[Sauber F1]]}}</ref> Despite raising around [[Euro|€]]8&nbsp;million in sponsorship, Kobayashi elected to focus on gaining a competitive drive for the {{F1|2014}} season rather than a {{F1|2013}} drive.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104861|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=17 December 2012|accessdate=18 December 2012|title=Kamui Kobayashi gives up on F1 drive for 2013 season}}</ref>
On 23 November 2012, Sauber announced that Kobayashi would not be a part of the team's line-up for the {{F1|2013}} season, as [[Nico Hülkenberg]] and [[Esteban Gutiérrez]] would form the race team and [[Robin Frijns]] as reserve driver.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/20463420|title=Mexican Esteban Gutierrez signs on at Sauber|first=Andrew|last=Benson|work=[[BBC Sport]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=23 November 2012|accessdate=23 November 2012}}</ref> Kobayashi ultimately finished the season in twelfth place in the Drivers' Championship, with 60 points.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sauberf1team.com/en/news.cfm?id=93AQA924-Brazilian_GP_Race|title=Brazilian GP: Race|date=25 November 2012|accessdate=1 December 2012|work=Sauber F1 Team|publisher=[[Sauber F1]]|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130104192921/http://www.sauberf1team.com/en/news.cfm?id=93AQA924-Brazilian_GP_Race|archivedate=4 January 2013|df=}}</ref> Despite raising around [[Euro|€]]8&nbsp;million in sponsorship, Kobayashi elected to focus on gaining a competitive drive for the {{F1|2014}} season rather than a {{F1|2013}} drive.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104861|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=17 December 2012|accessdate=18 December 2012|title=Kamui Kobayashi gives up on F1 drive for 2013 season}}</ref>


===FIA World Endurance Championship (2013)===
===FIA World Endurance Championship (2013)===
Line 133: Line 133:
Kobayashi also tested a [[Ferrari F10|2010 Formula One Ferrari]] in preparation for a promotional event in Moscow, where he crashed in the wet.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107732 |title=Kamui Kobayashi gets first Ferrari F1 test in 2010 car at Fiorano | work=Autosport | date=27 May 2013 |accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref><ref>Circuito de Fiorano</ref>
Kobayashi also tested a [[Ferrari F10|2010 Formula One Ferrari]] in preparation for a promotional event in Moscow, where he crashed in the wet.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107732 |title=Kamui Kobayashi gets first Ferrari F1 test in 2010 car at Fiorano | work=Autosport | date=27 May 2013 |accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref><ref>Circuito de Fiorano</ref>


In the 81st edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013, Kobayashi and the AF Corse team scored fifth place in the GTE-Pro class along with his co-drivers [[Olivier Beretta]] and [[Toni Vilander]], their Ferrari 458 GT covered a total of 312 laps in the [[Circuit de la Sarthe]]. The race was run in very difficult weather conditions and several serious accidents bringing out a record of twelve [[safety car]] caution periods.<ref name="ACO stats">{{cite web | url = http://www.24h-lemans.com/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2013/24-heures-du-mans/classification/stats/stats24.pdf | title = Statistiques 24ème Heure / 24th Hour Statistics | publisher = [[Automobile Club de l'Ouest]] | format = PDF | date = 23 June 2013 | accessdate = 23 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="Race result">{{cite web | url = http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/03_2013/03_LE%20MANS/13_FIA%20WEC/201306221500_Race/Hour%2024/05_Classification_Race_Hour%2024.PDF | title = Race&nbsp;– Final Classification | publisher = [[Automobile Club de l'Ouest]] | format = PDF | date = 23 June 2013 | accessdate = 23 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/108252 |title=Le Mans 24 Hours: Kristensen, McNish, Duval clinch Audi victory| work=Autosport | date=23 June 2013 |accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref>
In the 81st edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013, Kobayashi and the AF Corse team scored fifth place in the GTE-Pro class along with his co-drivers [[Olivier Beretta]] and [[Toni Vilander]], their Ferrari 458 GT covered a total of 312 laps in the [[Circuit de la Sarthe]]. The race was run in very difficult weather conditions and several serious accidents bringing out a record of twelve [[safety car]] caution periods.<ref name="ACO stats">{{cite web | url = http://www.24h-lemans.com/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2013/24-heures-du-mans/classification/stats/stats24.pdf | title = Statistiques 24ème Heure / 24th Hour Statistics | publisher = [[Automobile Club de l'Ouest]] | format = PDF | date = 23 June 2013 | accessdate = 23 June 2013 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131022123833/http://www.24h-lemans.com/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2013/24-heures-du-mans/classification/stats/stats24.pdf | archivedate = 22 October 2013 | df = }}</ref><ref name="Race result">{{cite web | url = http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/03_2013/03_LE%20MANS/13_FIA%20WEC/201306221500_Race/Hour%2024/05_Classification_Race_Hour%2024.PDF | title = Race&nbsp;– Final Classification | publisher = [[Automobile Club de l'Ouest]] | format = PDF | date = 23 June 2013 | accessdate = 23 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/108252 |title=Le Mans 24 Hours: Kristensen, McNish, Duval clinch Audi victory| work=Autosport | date=23 June 2013 |accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref>


===Return to Formula One (2014)===
===Return to Formula One (2014)===

Revision as of 19:21, 5 December 2017

Kamui Kobayashi
Kobayashi at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix, his home race
NationalityJapan Japanese
Born (1986-09-13) 13 September 1986 (age 38)
Amagasaki, Japan
Previous series
2008-09
200607
2005
2004–05
2004
2004
2004
GP2 Series
Formula 3 Euro Series
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia
FR2000 Germany
Asian Formula Renault
FR2000 Netherlands
Championship titles
2008–09
2005
2005
GP2 Asia Series
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia
Formula One World Championship career
Active years20092012, 2014
TeamsToyota, Sauber, Caterham
Entries76 (75 starts)
Championships0
Wins0
Podiums1
Career points125
Pole positions0
Fastest laps1
First entry2009 Brazilian Grand Prix
Last entry2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
24 Hours of Le Mans career
Years2013, 2016
TeamsAF Corse, Toyota Motorsport GmbH
Best finish2nd in LMP1
Class wins0
World Endurance Championship – LMGTE Pro
Years active2013
TeamsAF Corse
Starts8
Wins1
Podiums1
Poles0
Fastest laps2
Best finish7th in 2013
World Endurance Championship – LMP1-H
Years active2016
TeamsToyota Gazoo Racing
Starts18
Wins1
Poles4
Fastest laps0
Best finish3rd in 2016

Kamui Kobayashi (小林 可夢偉, Kobayashi Kamui, born 13 September 1986) is a Japanese professional racing driver who currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Toyota Gazoo Racing, in the Super Formula Championship for KCMG and set to compete in Formula E for Andretti Autosport under Monaco racing license.[1] He also previously competed in the GP2 Series, the GP2 Asia Series (which he won), and Formula One from 2009 to 2012, and in 2014.

Racing career

Early career

Kobayashi was born in Amagasaki, near Kobe. His father owns a sushi restaurant.[2] He began his career in motorsport in 1996 when he was nine years old, finishing third in his first season of karting in the SL Takarazuka Tournament Cadet Class. During the following seven years, Kobayashi took four karting titles, winning the Toyota SL All Japan Tournament Cadet Class series twice.

In 2004, he signed for Toyota's Driver Academy and soon began his career in open wheel racing. His next step was Formula Renault, entering the Asian, German, Italian and Dutch championships and taking two race victories in the Italian championship. Kobayashi continued in the Formula Renault class, entering the Italian and European championships and with six wins in both championships, he won both titles.

In 2006, Kobayashi entered the Formula 3 Euro Series with ASM Formule 3 alongside Paul di Resta, Giedo van der Garde and Sebastian Vettel. He took three podium positions in his debut season, coming eighth in the Drivers' Championship and first in the Rookie's Championship. Kobayashi also entered the Macau Grand Prix and the Masters of Formula 3, which are annual Formula Three events. Kobayashi started in 10th place and finished the race a place lower in 11th, while at the Macau Grand Prix, he started the race in pole position but finished in 19th place.

At the beginning of 2007, Kobayashi, with Kohei Hirate, was named as one of the Toyota Formula One team's test drivers. He stayed in the Euro Series for the upcoming season and had an impressive start, taking two podiums in the first four rounds, and at the tenth round in Magny-Cours for the Formula One French Grand Prix Formula Three support race Kobayashi took his first race victory in Formula Three. He finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

GP2

Kobayashi driving for DAMS at the Nürburgring round of the 2009 GP2 Series season

Following a successful GP2 Asia Series campaign in early 2008, Kobayashi won his first GP2 Series race in only the second race of the season. After a strong start from pole in the sprint race at the Circuit de Catalunya, Kobayashi took the chequered flag in first place. This was after a controversial piece of defensive driving from his former Euro Series teammate Romain Grosjean after a safety car period. At the end of the pit straight, Kobayashi attempted a pass on Grosjean. However, the Frenchman moved more than once to defend his position, forcing Kobayashi into evasive action. This resulted in a drive through penalty for the Frenchman, handing the win to Kobayashi. However, he only finished in the points on one further occasion, restricting him to sixteenth in the championship.

Another successful GP2 Asia campaign followed over the winter months of 2008 and 2009, with Kobayashi winning two races en route to the championship, with a round to spare. Kobayashi could not repeat his form in the main series, finishing sixteenth again.

Formula One (2007–2012)

On November 16, 2007 it was confirmed that Kobayashi would replace the departing Franck Montagny as the Toyota F1 team's third driver.[3] He was the team's test and reserve driver during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Toyota (2009)

Kobayashi deputising for Timo Glock during practice for the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix
2009

At the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix, Kobayashi competed in the first two free practice sessions in place of Timo Glock, who was ill.[4] Glock recovered in time to take part in the third free practice session and qualifying, but was injured after crashing in the final session and had to miss the race. Toyota asked the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for permission to run Kobayashi in the race, but this was refused as the regulations state a driver must run in at least one session on Saturday to be eligible to start the race.[5]

Kobayashi made his Formula One debut at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, following a complication to Glock's injury that was initially not detected.[6] He qualified 11th in a chaotic session that lasted for over two and half hours and was red-flagged twice due to accidents caused by torrential rain. Early in the race, while running in sixth place, he held off for several laps a challenge by Jenson Button, who needed to finish well to clinch the world championship. He finished the race in tenth place, and was later promoted to ninth when Heikki Kovalainen was penalised. Button jokingly described Kobayashi as "absolutely crazy, very aggressive".[7] He also competed in the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Glock's injury had not healed sufficiently.[8] Kobayashi qualified 12th and finished sixth, scoring his first World Championship points, in the inaugural day-night race in Abu Dhabi.[9] Before Toyota decided to withdraw from Formula One, Kobayashi was expected to be given a full-time seat at Toyota for the 2010 Formula One Season.[10]

Sauber (2010–2012)

2010
Kobayashi driving for Sauber at the 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix
Kobayashi became another victim of the "Wall of Champions" at the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix

Following Toyota's withdrawal, Kobayashi faced an uncertain future, but he was mentioned in lists of probable drivers for the series' new teams for 2010.[11] After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed on December 17, 2009 he would drive for Peter Sauber's recovered Sauber team after BMW Sauber had withdrawn for 2010.[12] His teammate was former McLaren tester Pedro de la Rosa. Kobayashi completed his first laps in the new Sauber C29 chassis during F1 winter testing on 2 February.

During the Australian Grand Prix, a front wing failure on his Sauber caused him to hit the barrier, rebounding off it to cause a three-car crash taking out Nico Hülkenberg and Sébastien Buemi. In the next race in Malaysia he qualified in ninth place, his best grid position up to that point, however he suffered an engine failure early in the race. In China, Kobayashi was involved in a three-way collision with Buemi and Vitantonio Liuzzi on the first lap, making him the only driver to retire from the first four races. In Turkey, he won his first points of the season, coming home tenth after being promoted a place due to Vettel's retirement after a collision with teammate Webber and Petrov's puncture. In Valencia, he finished seventh by passing both Fernando Alonso and Sébastien Buemi in the final laps on fresh tyres, after driving the majority of the race in third position on his first set of tyres. He followed that with sixth place in Silverstone, eleventh in Germany, ninth in Hungary and eighth in Belgium.

At the Italian Grand Prix, Kobayashi suffered a gearbox failure and retired from the Singapore Grand Prix after hitting a track-side barrier. Kobayashi's teammate changed in Singapore as Pedro de la Rosa was removed in favour of Nick Heidfeld. In Japan, Kobayashi qualified 14th and finished seventh, passing several drivers along the way including his teammate, in a very impressive fashion. He finished eighth in Korea and tenth in Brazil, eventually finishing the season with 32 points. In his review of the season, former TV commentator Murray Walker stated that Kobayashi is "without a doubt Japan's best [F1 driver] yet".[13] Kobayashi gained a reputation during the season as a highly skilled overtaker, being able to outbrake drivers several car lengths in front of him. His aggressive overtaking style was described by Martin Brundle as, "He gets to the normal braking point and then goes, 'Now, which one is the brake again? That's right, it's on the left,' and he just sails past people!"[14] He qualified well against his more experienced teammates, outqualifying de la Rosa and Heidfeld 11 times to 8 over the season.

2011
Kobayashi at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Kobayashi remained with Sauber in 2011,[15] where he was partnered by GP2 graduate Sergio Pérez. Kobayashi finished eighth in the season opening Australian Grand Prix, but he and Pérez – who had finished seventh – were disqualified after the race due to an irregularity with the car's rear-wing. The next race of the season in Malaysia was another strong showing for Kobayashi, finishing eighth in the race, eventually classified seventh after Lewis Hamilton received a penalty. He finished tenth in his next three races, before a career-high fifth place in an incident-packed Monaco Grand Prix. In an extremely wet Canadian Grand Prix, Kobayashi worked his way up from 13th place to 2nd having not decided to change to extreme wet tyres before the race was red-flagged, as many other drivers had. This essentially gave him a free pit stop while the race was suspended. After the restart, the track began to dry out, and after changing to intermediate tyres and finally slicks, Kobayashi dropped several places, including having a spin whilst lapping a backmarker and being rear-ended by Nick Heidfeld. He eventually finished seventh, 0.045 seconds behind Felipe Massa, who passed him on the final straight.

2012
Kobayashi during pre-season testing at Jerez.

On 28 July 2011, it was announced that Kobayashi would remain with Sauber into the 2012 season, alongside teammate Pérez.[16]

Kobayashi driving for Sauber at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

Kobayashi started the season with sixth place at the Australian Grand Prix,[17] and a retirement at the Malaysian Grand Prix, due to a problem with his car's brakes.[18]

Kobayashi at the 2012 United States Grand Prix

He then started third at the Chinese Grand Prix behind the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher. He dropped to tenth but managed to set the fastest lap. At the Spanish Grand Prix he finished fifth after overtaking Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg. Kobayashi finished in the points once in the next four races, finishing ninth in Canada. Kobayashi finished in a career-best fourth place at the German Grand Prix – having finished fifth on-the-road – as he was helped by a post-race penalty for second-placed Sebastian Vettel.[19] After retiring late in the race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Kobayashi qualified a career-best second for the Belgian Grand Prix but was caught in a first-corner accident along with four other drivers. Kobayashi was the only one of the five to continue in the race, and finished thirteenth.[20]

Kobayashi took his maiden podium in Formula One with third place at the Japanese Grand Prix, after lasting through race-long pressure from Jenson Button. Kobayashi became the first Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium in Japan in 22 years, after Aguri Suzuki in the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix, and was the third Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium after Suzuki and Takuma Sato in the 2004 United States Grand Prix.[21]

On 23 November 2012, Sauber announced that Kobayashi would not be a part of the team's line-up for the 2013 season, as Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez would form the race team and Robin Frijns as reserve driver.[22] Kobayashi ultimately finished the season in twelfth place in the Drivers' Championship, with 60 points.[23] Despite raising around 8 million in sponsorship, Kobayashi elected to focus on gaining a competitive drive for the 2014 season rather than a 2013 drive.[24]

FIA World Endurance Championship (2013)

AF Corse

Kobayashi's Ferrari 458 GT during the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.

On 11 March 2013 it was confirmed that Kobayashi would drive for AF Corse in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship season. He competed in the LMGTE-Pro class in the Ferrari 458 GT for what is expected to be all of the season's 8 rounds, including the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.[25]

Kobayashi also tested a 2010 Formula One Ferrari in preparation for a promotional event in Moscow, where he crashed in the wet.[26][27]

In the 81st edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013, Kobayashi and the AF Corse team scored fifth place in the GTE-Pro class along with his co-drivers Olivier Beretta and Toni Vilander, their Ferrari 458 GT covered a total of 312 laps in the Circuit de la Sarthe. The race was run in very difficult weather conditions and several serious accidents bringing out a record of twelve safety car caution periods.[28][29][30]

Return to Formula One (2014)

Caterham (2014)

Kobayashi at the 2014 Singapore Grand Prix

On 21 January 2014, it was confirmed that Kobayashi would return to Formula One with the Caterham F1 team for the 2014 season partnering Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson after considerable speculation about the team's all new line-up for the new season.[31] At the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, Kobayashi crashed into Massa at the start due to a brake failure. However, in the following Malaysian Grand Prix, he was running as high as eighth, ahead of his teammate, the Marussias, and several other cars. He however finished the race in 13th, promoting Caterham to 10th in the Constructors' standings. However, later in the season Caterham were demoted to 11th due to Jules Bianchi achieving Marussia's first points finish in the Monaco Grand Prix.[32]

On 20 August 2014, it was announced that German driver André Lotterer would replace Kobayashi for the Belgian Grand Prix race weekend.[33] He returned to racing action at the Italian Grand Prix after Lotterer declined a further offer due to the seat being taken in practice by Roberto Merhi, who was attempting to qualify for an FIA Super Licence.[34] Kobayashi declared his unhappiness at the situation, with the team's driver plans changing at short notice and his own future uncertain.[35]

Japanese Super Formula (2015–)

Team LeMans (2015–2016)

On 30 January 2015, it was confirmed that Kobayashi would drive for Team LeMans in the 2015 Super Formula season.[36] He scored three podiums on his way to a fifth-place finish in the drivers' championship during his first year in the series.

His second year with Team LeMans was less successful, only managing to score one point and finishing 17th in the championship.

KCMG (2017–)

Kobayashi moved to KCMG at the start of the 2017 season.[37]

Return to FIA World Endurance Championship (2016–)

Toyota Gazoo Racing

On 4 February 2016, Kobayashi was confirmed as a LMP1 driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Kobayashi scored his first WEC race victory at the 2016 6 Hours of Fuji, finishing ahead of the No. 8 Audi and the No. 1 Porsche.[38]

Personal life

He was named after Kamuy, a divine being in Ainu mythology, and the letter of the name imitated the sound citing three Kanji from the sentence "Enabling great dream(s)".[39] Kobayashi is a supporter of Spanish-Valencian La Liga club Valencia CF.

In April 2013, he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Sport award at The Asian Awards in London.[40]

Racing record

Career summary

Season Series Team Races Wins Poles F/Laps Podiums Points Position
2003 Formula Toyota N/A 10 2 4 ? ? 120 2nd
2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italy Prema Powerteam 17 2 3 1 3 134 7th
Formula Renault 2000 Germany 2 0 0 0 0 16 31st
Formula Renault 2000 Netherlands ? ? ? ? ? 32 15th
Asian Formula Renault Challenge Asia Racing Team 1 0 0 ? 0 16 31st
2005 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Prema Powerteam 16 6 4 4 8 157 1st
Formula Renault 2.0 Italy 15 6 9 8 11 312 1st
2006 Formula 3 Euro Series ASM Formule 3 19 0 0 1 3 34 8th
Macau Grand Prix 1 0 1 0 0 N/A 19th
Masters of Formula 3 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 11th
2007 Formula 3 Euro Series ASM Formule 3 20 1 1 0 7 59 4th
Macau Grand Prix 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 13th
Masters of Formula 3 1 0 0 0 0 N/A NC
Formula One Toyota Racing Test driver
2008 GP2 Asia Series DAMS 10 2 0 0 3 22 6th
GP2 Series 20 1 0 2 1 10 16th
Formula One Toyota Racing Test driver
2008–09 GP2 Asia Series DAMS 11 2 2 3 4 56 1st
2009 GP2 Series DAMS 20 0 0 0 1 13 16th
Formula One Panasonic Toyota Racing 2 0 0 0 0 3 18th
2010 Formula One BMW Sauber F1 Team 19 0 0 0 0 32 12th
2011 Formula One Sauber F1 Team 19 0 0 0 0 30 12th
2012 Formula One Sauber F1 Team 20 0 0 1 1 60 12th
2013 FIA World Endurance Championship – LMGTE Pro AF Corse 8 0 0 1 4 98 7th
24 Hours of Le Mans – LMGTE Pro 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 5th
2014 Formula One Caterham F1 Team 16 0 0 0 0 0 22nd
2015 Super Formula Kygnus Sunoco Team LeMans 8 0 0 0 3 20 5th
2016 FIA World Endurance Championship Toyota Gazoo Racing 9 1 0 0 6 145 3rd
24 Hours of Le Mans 1 0 0 0 1 N/A 2nd
Super Formula Sunoco Team LeMans 9 0 0 2 0 1 17th
2017 FIA World Endurance Championship Toyota Gazoo Racing 9 0 4 0 3 103.5 5th
24 Hours of Le Mans 1 0 1 0 0 N/A DNF
Super Formula KCMG 7 0 0 1 1 16.5 7th
Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Good Smile Racing & Team UKYO 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Super GT Lexus Team WedsSport Bandoh 1 0 0 0 0 10 17th

Complete Formula 3 Euro Series record

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Pos Points
2006 ASM Formule 3 Dallara F305/012 Mercedes HOC
1

6
HOC
2

5
LAU
1

11
LAU
2

10
OSC
1

11
OSC
2

7
BRH
1

6
BRH
2

3
NOR
1

5
NOR
2

2
NÜR
1

8
NÜR
2

3
ZAN
1

5
ZAN
2

Ret
CAT
1

5
CAT
2

Ret
BUG
1

DNS
BUG
2

14
HOC
1

Ret
HOC
2

9
8th 34
2007 ASM Formule 3 Dallara F305/012 Mercedes HOC
1

10
HOC
2

10
BRH
1

3
BRH
2

3
NOR
1

8
NOR
2

Ret
MAG
1

1
MAG
2

9
MUG
1

2
MUG
2

4
ZAN
1

2
ZAN
2

17
NÜR
1

11
NÜR
2

Ret
CAT
1

19
CAT
2

Ret
NOG
1

2
NOG
2

2
HOC
1

4
HOC
2

Ret
4th 59

Complete GP2 Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 DC Points
2008 DAMS CAT
FEA

8
CAT
SPR

1
IST
FEA

Ret
IST
SPR

9
MON
FEA

Ret
MON
SPR

18
MAG
FEA

Ret
MAG
SPR

9
SIL
FEA

Ret
SIL
SPR

7
HOC
FEA

Ret
HOC
SPR

18
HUN
FEA

11
HUN
SPR

8
VAL
FEA

Ret
VAL
SPR

6
SPA
FEA

9
SPA
SPR

14
MNZ
FEA

Ret
MNZ
SPR

13
16th 10
2009 DAMS CAT
FEA

8
CAT
SPR

5
MON
FEA

Ret
MON
SPR

12
IST
FEA

Ret
IST
SPR

NC
SIL
FEA

Ret
SIL
SPR

17
NÜR
FEA

9
NÜR
SPR

3
HUN
FEA

13
HUN
SPR

8
VAL
FEA

8
VAL
SPR

11
SPA
FEA

7
SPA
SPR

11
MNZ
FEA

17
MNZ
SPR

17
ALG
FEA

6
ALG
SPR

19
16th 13

Complete GP2 Asia Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DC Points
2008 DAMS DUB1
FEA

13
DUB1
SPR

Ret
SEN
FEA

Ret
SEN
SPR

15
SEP
FEA

5
SEP
SPR

1
BHR
FEA

3
BHR
SPR

1
DUB2
FEA

20
DUB2
SPR

14
6th 22
2008–09 DAMS SHI
FEA

2
SHI
SPR

Ret
DUB
FEA

1
DUB
SPR

C
BHR1
FEA

1
BHR1
SPR

6
LSL
FEA

4
LSL
SPR

18
SEP
FEA

2
SEP
SPR

7
BHR2
FEA

4
BHR2
SPR

5
1st 56

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WDC Points
2009 Panasonic Toyota Racing Toyota TF109 Toyota RVX-09 2.4 V8 AUS MAL CHN BHR ESP MON TUR GBR GER HUN EUR BEL ITA SIN JPN
PO
BRA
9
ABU
6
18th 3
2010 BMW Sauber F1 Team Sauber C29 Ferrari 056 2.4 V8 BHR
Ret
AUS
Ret
MAL
Ret
CHN
Ret
ESP
12
MON
Ret
TUR
10
CAN
Ret
EUR
7
GBR
6
GER
11
HUN
9
BEL
8
ITA
Ret
SIN
Ret
JPN
7
KOR
8
BRA
10
ABU
14
12th 32
2011 Sauber F1 Team Sauber C30 Ferrari 056 2.4 V8 AUS
DSQ
MAL
7
CHN
10
TUR
10
ESP
10
MON
5
CAN
7
EUR
16
GBR
Ret
GER
9
HUN
11
BEL
12
ITA
Ret
SIN
14
JPN
13
KOR
15
IND
Ret
ABU
10
BRA
9
12th 30
2012 Sauber F1 Team Sauber C31 Ferrari 056 2.4 V8 AUS
6
MAL
Ret
CHN
10
BHR
13
ESP
5
MON
Ret
CAN
9
EUR
Ret
GBR
11
GER
4
HUN
18†
BEL
13
ITA
9
SIN
13
JPN
3
KOR
Ret
IND
14
ABU
6
USA
14
BRA
9
12th 60
2014 Caterham F1 Team Caterham CT05 Renault Energy F1‑2014 1.6 V6 t AUS
Ret
MAL
13
BHR
15
CHN
18
ESP
Ret
MON
13
CAN
Ret
AUT
16
GBR
15
GER
16
HUN
Ret
BEL ITA
17
SIN
DNS
JPN
19
RUS
Ret
USA BRA ABU
Ret
22nd 0

Did not finish the race, but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.

24 Hours of Le Mans results

Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
2013 Italy AF Corse Finland Toni Vilander
Monaco Olivier Beretta
Ferrari 458 Italia GT GTE
Pro
312 20th 5th
2016 Japan Toyota Gazoo Racing United Kingdom Mike Conway
France Stéphane Sarrazin
Toyota TS050 Hybrid LMP1 381 2nd 2nd
2017 Japan Toyota Gazoo Racing United Kingdom Mike Conway
France Stéphane Sarrazin
Toyota TS050 Hybrid LMP1 154 DNF DNF

Complete FIA World Endurance Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Class Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rank Points
2013 AF Corse LMGTE Pro Ferrari 458 Italia GT2 Ferrari F142 4.5L V8 SIL
2
SPA
3
LMS
4
SÃO
Ret
COA
3
FUJ
9
SHA
5
BHR
3
7th 98
2016 Toyota Gazoo Racing LMP1 Toyota TS050 Hybrid Toyota 2.4 L V6 (Hybrid) SIL
2
SPA
Ret
LMS
2
NÜR
6
MEX
3
COA
3
FUJ
1
SHA
2
BHR
5
3rd 145
2017 Toyota Gazoo Racing LMP1 Toyota TS050 Hybrid Toyota 2.4 L V6 (Hybrid) SIL
13
SPA
2
LMS
Ret
NÜR
3
MEX
4
COA
4
FUJ
2
SHA
4
BHR
4
5th 103.5

Complete Super Formula results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DC Points
2015 Kygnus Sunoco Team LeMans SUZ
9
OKA
2
FUJ
10
MOT
17
AUT
3
SUG
6
SUZ
3
SUZ
9
6th 20
2016 Sunoco Team LeMans SUZ
16
OKA
18
FUJ
10
MOT
9
OKA
18
OKA
17
SUG
17
SUZ
9
SUZ
7
17th 1
2017 KCMG SUZ
9
OKA
4
OKA
5
FUJ
15
MOT
2
AUT
7
SUG
7
SUZ
C
SUZ
C
7th 16.5

Complete Super GT results

Year Team Car Class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 DC Points
2017 Lexus Team WedsSport Bandoh Lexus LC 500 GT500 OKA FUJ AUT SUG FUJ SUZ
4
CHA MOT 17th 10

References

  1. ^ "Kamui races with a Monaco racing licence and the FIA sees Kobayashi as Monegasque". Formula E. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Sauber confirm Kobayashi". Al-Jazeera. Aljazeera IT. 2009-12-17. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  3. ^ "Toyota confirm Kobayashi as third driver". autosport.com. 2007-11-16. Retrieved 16 November 2007.
  4. ^ Strang, Simon (2009-10-02). "Kobayashi subs for Glock in practice". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
  5. ^ Strang, Simon (2009-10-04). "Injured Glock out of Japanese GP". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  6. ^ "Timo Glock to miss Brazilian Grand Prix". Toyota Racing. Toyota. 2009-10-11. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  7. ^ Whyatt, Chris (2009-10-18). "Brilliant Button clinches title". BBC Sport website. BBC. Retrieved 18 October 2009.
  8. ^ Elizalde, Pablo (2009-10-27). "Glock to miss final race of the season". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 27 October 2009.
  9. ^ "Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying results". BBC News. 2009-10-31. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  10. ^ "Kobayashi set for full-time seat". BBC News. 2009-11-01. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  11. ^ "F1 gossip column". BBC News. 2009-12-02. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  12. ^ "Sauber F1 team recruit Japan's Kamui Kobayashi". BBC Sport. BBC. 2009-12-16. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  13. ^ Walker, Murray (25 November 2010). "My F1 2010 season review". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
  14. ^ "2010 Races". brundlequotes.com. Martin Brundle's Racing Lines. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  15. ^ "Kamui Kobayashi to remain with Formula 1 team Sauber". BBC Sport. BBC. 2010-09-07. Retrieved 7 September 2010.
  16. ^ "Kobayashi and Perez to stay at Sauber in 2012". formula1.com. Formula One Administration. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Australian GP: Race". Sauber F1 Team. Sauber F1. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  18. ^ "Malaysian GP: Race". Sauber F1 Team. Sauber F1. 25 March 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  19. ^ "Sauber satisfied with double score". Crash.net. Crash Media Group. 22 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  20. ^ "Button wins after first-corner carnage at Spa". Formula1.com. Formula One Administration. 2 September 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  21. ^ Noble, Jonathan; Beer, Matt (7 October 2012). "Kamui Kobayashi celebrates 'amazing' podium". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 7 October 2012. Kobayashi's result equalled the best ever finish for Japanese drivers in Formula 1 – achieved by Aguri Suzuki at Suzuka in 1990 and Takuma Sato at Indianapolis in 2004.
  22. ^ Benson, Andrew (23 November 2012). "Mexican Esteban Gutierrez signs on at Sauber". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  23. ^ "Brazilian GP: Race". Sauber F1 Team. Sauber F1. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Noble, Jonathan (17 December 2012). "Kamui Kobayashi gives up on F1 drive for 2013 season". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  25. ^ Watkins, Gary (11 March 2013). "Kobayashi joins Ferrari line-up". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  26. ^ "Kamui Kobayashi gets first Ferrari F1 test in 2010 car at Fiorano". Autosport. 27 May 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  27. ^ Circuito de Fiorano
  28. ^ "Statistiques 24ème Heure / 24th Hour Statistics" (PDF). Automobile Club de l'Ouest. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ "Race – Final Classification" (PDF). Automobile Club de l'Ouest. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  30. ^ "Le Mans 24 Hours: Kristensen, McNish, Duval clinch Audi victory". Autosport. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  31. ^ Beer, Matt (21 January 2014). "Caterham signs Kobayashi, Ericsson for 2014 Formula 1 season". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  32. ^ "Ninth place for Jules Bianchi in Monaco saw Marussia score their first F1 points | Sky Sports". www1.skysports.com. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  33. ^ "Belgian GP: Andre Lotterer in for Kamui Kobayashi at Caterham". BBC News. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  34. ^ "Caterham confirms Kobayashi's Monza F1 return and Merhi's FP1 run". autosport.com. Haymarket Publishing. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  35. ^ Anderson, Ben (4 September 2014). "Italian GP: Kamui Kobayashi unhappy with Caterham F1 situation". autosport.com. Haymarket Publishing. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  36. ^ "Toyota Outlines 2015 Motorsports Activities, Announces Return to World Rally Championship". Toyota Global Newsroom Publishing. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  37. ^ "Kamui Kobayashi joins KCMG for 2017 Super Formula campaign". www.kcmg.com.hk. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  38. ^ Watkins, Gary (16 October 2016). "Toyota wins home Fuji WEC race with Kobayashi, Conway and Sarrazin". autosport.com. Haymarket Publishing. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  39. ^ ちぃ (2009-10-14). "小林可夢偉選手ってどんな人?". トヨタモータースポーツ インサイドブログ. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
  40. ^ Winners at the Asian Awards
Sporting positions
Preceded by Italian Formula Renault
Champion

2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by Eurocup Formula Renault
Champion

2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by GP2 Asia Series
Champion

2008–09
Succeeded by
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Autosport Awards
Rookie of the Year

2010
Succeeded by