Kobayashi gets Ferrari drive

12/03/2013

Japanese star Kamui Kobayashi has landed a dream drive with Ferrari, unfortunately it's not in F1 but in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The former Toyota and Sauber star was dropped by the Swiss outfit at the end of 2012 and in an attempt to buy a seat resorted to starting a website which saw fans pledge money. However, giving up on a 2013 F1 ride the highly popular, and just as highly rated, Japanese star has now found a berth with Ferrari's GT team.

His first event will be the Silverstone 6 Hours on 14 April, thereby becoming the first Asian driver to drive for the Scuderia. Having made his F1 debut with Toyota in 2009, in Japan, Kobayashi took part in 60 Grands Prix, scoring a total of 125 points. His best finish was last year's Japanese Grand Prix when the youngster scored a highly emotional podium result.

"I am pleased to be able to announce today my new role," he told the Ferrari website. "It's an honour for me to become part of the Ferrari family. It will be the first time that I compete in endurance races in a championship featuring GT cars. I can't wait to start working with AF Corse and I really hope I can aim for the title, along with my team-mates.

"I will work hard and give my all in this new chapter in my career, knowing I can count on the support of all my fans. I would like to thank Ferrari for this opportunity and, finally, would like to dedicate this season's new adventure to everyone in Japan, who on this very day, commemorate the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit our country."