Kamui Kobayashi says it would be a dream come true to secure his first ever podium in front of his home fans, after he achieved the “maximum possible” during qualifying.
The Japanese driver starts third behind the Red Bulls, after being promoted a place on the grid thanks to Jenson Button’s gearbox penalty.
“I am happy because I think I achieved the maximum possible today,” said Kobayashi.
“I want to thank the team for the big step forward they have managed with the car since Friday. In the beginning we were struggling with the new parts but now we have got it right. After quite a few changes to the settings the car is fast again.
“From where I am starting I should have a chance to fight for a podium finish, and it would be a dream come true if I could achieve my first podium in Formula One in front of my home crowd.”
However, the Sauber driver starts alongside Romain Grosjean who took him out in Belgium where he had qualified a career best second. Kobayashi is looking to avoid such a repeat.
“First of all I have to manage a good start, and then I should have more luck than in Spa this year where I started from the front row but got involved in an accident.”
