His first F1 appearance took place at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix with Toyota F1 team replacing injured Timo Glock and almost to cost Jenson Button's world title by blocking him for multiple laps. Peter Sauber reflected then Kobayashi's fighting skills who finished sixth in Abu Dhabi and he signed him after buying back his historical team while Toyota F1 Team decided to redraw from the F1 championship. His excellent performances so far in the 2010 season made Sauber F1 Team to confirm the renewal of Kobayashi's contract for 2011.
Although rumours that Kobayashi would end up another Japanese struggling F1 camikaze, the 24-year-old driver has repaid the team with 21 points thus far in a demanding season for the team.
Team principal Peter Sauber commented:
"We enjoy having our rookie as part of the team - both as a driver and a person. We never had any doubts about working with him again in 2011. Kamui has definitely fulfilled our expectations in terms of his speed and fighting spirit. Plus, his work with the engineers and his technical understanding has also developed very well. The experience he has built up over his first full season in Formula One will certainly stand him in good stead for 2011. And our aim is to give him a fast and reliable car from the outset next season."
Kobayashi expressed his delight at securing his immediate future, adding that he was confident the team would improve next year.
"We had a very difficult start to the season, but we've worked together to pull ourselves out of that situation. I feel very much at home in Peter Sauber's team and am very pleased we'll be working together again in 2011. However, for now I'm focusing one-hundred per cent on this year. There are still six grand prix weekends to go in 2010, and we'll be hoping to make up more ground.
