Kamui Kobayashi claimed his maiden Formula One podium on Sunday at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix, and says it’s yet to sink in.
The understandably excited Sauber driver claimed 15 points and moved up to 11th in the standings, just 16 points behind his team-mate Sergio Perez who span out of the race.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it is hard to believe – I achieved my first podium in Suzuka! It was a fantastic race and we have been working really hard to get to this point since we were lacking pace on Friday,” said Kobayashi after.
“Starting from third obviously helped a lot and also the long run I did on Friday made me very confident for the race. The team has built a great car this year. You can tell this from the podium finishes my team-mate has had.
“At times I was close to that as well but I never had the luck.”
The 26-year-old now hopes his luck will continue.
“It means so much to me that it finally worked out. Maybe from now on things will be easier.
“It meant a lot to me and I want to thank the Japanese fans.”
