Japan's Kamui Kobayashi has been confirmed as a driver for Formula One team Sauber next year.
Japanese driver pens deal with Sauber for 2010
Japan's Kamui Kobayashi has been confirmed as a driver for Formula One team Sauber next year.
The Swiss outfit, who up to now have only named Kobayashi for 2010, is back in the ownership of founder Peter Sauber following the withdrawal of BMW at the end of last season.
The final two races of 2009 saw 23-year-old Kobayashi impress as a fill-in driver for Toyota, securing a notable sixth place in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after starting from 12th on the grid.
Withdrawal
Kobayashi was expected to secure a permanent drive with Toyota next year before the outfit announced its withdrawal from F1 on financial grounds.
"Ever since the start of my career I have dreamed of racing in Formula One," said Kobayashi.
"Now this dream has come true. I am very happy that my two races in 2009 have earned me a cockpit place.
"I will do my very best for Peter Sauber's team, and I am proud to be able to carry on flying the Japanese flag in Formula One."
Kobayashi, who raced in Formula Renault and the Formula 3 Euro Series before landing his place as Toyota's reserve driver for 2008, was given a chance to prove himself at his home grand prix in Suzuka last season when he deputised for Timo Glock in practice due to the German being ill.
Glock later suffered a heavy crash on his return to the cockpit which meant Kobayashi took over for the last two races of the season, and Peter Sauber revealed it was those displays in Brazil, where he finished ninth, and Abu Dhabi that won him over.
Unexpected
"In the final two grands prix of last season he was granted an unexpected chance to show his skills, and he made impressive use of it," said Sauber.
"Particularly in the Abu Dhabi race he demonstrated not only that he can drive fast and aggressively, but also his ability to successfully implement a strategy.
"I am convinced he has a great deal of potential and will be able to make the most of it in our team."
The announcement of Kobayashi's signing means one less vacant place on the grid next year, with the second Sauber driver yet to be named.
Two drivers for newcomer USF1 are also yet to be confirmed, along with a partner for Bruno Senna at Campos Meta and Renault and Toro Rosso's second drivers.
The most intense speculation surrounds Mercedes, with Michael Schumacher rumoured to resume his career with the German outfit in 2010.
