Kamui Kobayashi got his first taste of a Formula 1 car since he was dropped by Sauber at the end of last season.
The Japanese driver was given the opportunity to drive a Ferrari F10, their 2010 challenger, around the Fiorano circuit in Maranello.
Teams are allowed to use old machinery for filming purposes and promotional runs, and Kobayashi, who currently races for Ferrari’s GT racing team in the World Endurance Championship, got some practice in for his upcoming demo in Russia.
However Kobayashi says it didn’t take him long to familiarise himself with the car.
“The first feeling was one of great happiness,” he said. “I raced against this car and I knew how quick it was, so it was very important to get some experience of it.
“Last year’s race in Brazil was the last time I drove a Formula One car and now I am racing in WEC in a 458 GT and the impressions are completely different.
“But it wasn’t hard to readapt, because in the past, I’ve driven all sorts of cars and I’m used to change.”
He’s looking forward to getting behind the wheel again in July.
“It will be very nice to drive an F1 car again at this event in Moscow and for me it will be a double debut: the first time at the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car in an event and my first visit to the city.”
Discussion about this post