Kamui Kobayashi has admitted to being ‘scared’ ahead of practice for the Russian Grand Prix after the team found an issue with his suspension, but didn’t have the necessary parts to change it.
Instead, according to a Facebook post by the Japanese driver which was meant to be private, the team wrapped the faulty suspension rod in carbon fibre.
Kobayashi came close to refusing to drive, saying he was “seriously troubled” by the issue.
“Scary,” he wrote in his post which has been translated by the BBC as it was written in Japanese and meant for his family.
“Last night [the Friday ahead of the Russian GP] a suspension defect was found. There’s no spare so it was repaired by wrapping it in carbon.
“It’s checked all the time but, even so, being asked to race like this is too scary! I want to go home already.
“From here on there are still practices and the race to go. I’m seriously troubled. As a racing driver, should I drive? Should I safely decline? I drive again in 15 minutes…”
Caterham assured Kobayashi that his car was safe to drive and said they “kept [him] informed at all times” about the suspension situation.
A team spokesperson added: “It was extensively evaluated at Sochi and Leafield and ultimately a carbon-fibre wrap was applied to provide additional reinforcement – a normal procedure.
“The component was signed off as safe and re-checked between each subsequent session, to be absolutely sure there was no issue.
“Kamui withdrew the post mentioned and drove the car in this form throughout the rest of the weekend, with no hint of any other problem with the suspension.”
