Looks like Kamui Kobayashi has put himself in contention for an F1 seat next year, specifically with Toyota following his brave and impressive race debut last week in Brazil.
Toyota team boss John Howett described the debutante’s race:
“He did a fairly good job I think. He got past Fisi with a really good overtaking move and did a really good job to defend against Button and retake it a couple of times. Very impressive for a debut.”
Kobayashi ended the race in 10th position, despite jumping in the car at short notice following Timo Glock’s withdrawal. Glock crashed out at the Japanese Grand Prix, suffering injuries to his chest that would not heal in time for Brazil.
As previously reported, Toyota are also pursuing Kimi Raikkonnen for a drive with the team in 2010, however that looks like it may go nowhere due to the asking price. Jarno Trulli and Glock’s race seats are also not confirmed for next year, leaving Toyota’s options fully open.
On Trulli specifically, Howett said:
“All I know is the position of Toyota towards Jarno is that we don’t exclude the possibility [of keeping him], but there needs to be one or two issues that we get straight.”
Trulli is understood to have discussed the situation with Toyota’s Tadashi Yamashina over the race weekend in Brazil, where he was reported as stating that he will not make any decisions to continue with the team until after their board meeting on November 15th. It is understood that this is where Toyota will decide their future in the sport, as well as the budget for 2010.
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