NEWS
Q+A with Kamui Kobayashi10.01.2008
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What are your feelings on becoming a Formula 1 driver?
It is very exciting to become a third driver in Formula 1 but I know there is a lot of work to do. When I moved to Europe to start racing single-seaters my ambition was to one day become a Formula 1 driver and it feels great to say I am now a Formula 1 driver. It will be a challenge for me but I will always do my best. I will work hard on improving the car but also on improving myself because I do not have a lot of Formula 1 experience and I can get better in the way I communicate to my engineers and things like that. We all want to make a really good car and we are working hard to achieve that this year.
What is your impression of the team?
My impression of the team is very positive because everybody here is very professional and works really hard. They are so determined to be successful and I am pleased to be part of that. I have never been in such a professional team in my life so I am very happy to work here.
How was the test in December for you?
The test went well and I was happy with my two days in the car. I hadn't tested a Formula 1 car for around a year so it was a good chance to become familiar with all the systems, as well as adjusting to more power and grip. The car felt good and we didn't have any trouble. I did more than 200 laps over two days so it was hard work and quite intense but that should really help me for the start of this year's testing.
How do you see your role as third driver?
My role is to help the team develop the car as much as possible. I think it is quite an important role because development in Formula 1 never stops and you have to constantly improve if you are to be competitive.
What makes a Formula 1 car so special?
It's like GP2 but more! Everything is just more extreme and it is a special experience to drive a Formula 1 car. It is difficult to drive at the limit of the car, at the limit of grip and at the limit of your concentration - it requires a high level of performance.
Are you excited to be racing in GP2?
It is exciting because it is a competitive championship and the first time I will be racing a really big, powerful car. Compared to a Formula 3 car, a GP2 car has a lot more horsepower and grip so that is a big change for me. I know it will be a challenge in my first season but I expect to be competitive and I hope to succeed.
Can you explain how hard you have worked to get into Formula 1?
I started driving at nine years old and since then I have really pushed myself, not just to reach Formula 1 but to achieve the maximum possible. At the beginning of my career I was not thinking about Formula 1 - I just wanted to win each race. I never thought much about the future because it was far away from my situation at the time. Winning each race was my target but when I started racing single-seaters in Europe I started to dream of Formula 1. You have to work hard and be very determined to become a Formula 1 driver.
How has the TDP scheme helped you?
I started with TDP when I was 14 years old in Japan. I did just one season of Formula Toyota and came to Europe. They have given me great support and encouragement since then. They help me with a lot of things, such as teaching me English and helping me improve my driving and my feedback. They have been very good to me. We have two TDP drivers in Formula 1 this season with myself and Kazuki Nakajima so they must be doing a good job.
Why do you live in Paris? What do you like about Paris?
There is an interesting atmosphere in Paris which I really like because of the big businessmen, the artists, the designers, all these important people who are there and give the city its character. It is a fascinating city to spend time in and I very much enjoy living there. Unfortunately I don't speak French, I know some words but not enough, however that doesn't make a difference - I still like living there.
What do you do in your spare time?
Normally I am training every day - also washing clothes and being a house wife! I do running or go to the gym to work on my fitness. I go running in the parks around Paris, along the Seine - it's a great city to go running in because there are so many fantastic places to see.
