Can Kobayashi live up to his exciting reputation in 2011?

"Kamui Kobayashi was a revelation in 2009 when he jumped into Timo Glock's Toyota seat for the final two races.

"He had a reputation to live up to but in the early part of the year he was disappointing.

"The real turning-point came in Valencia when he nailed Fernando Alonso and Sebastien Buemi. His car subsequently improved and his confidence and speed soared.

"Kobayashi's attempts to 'have a go' are at times clumsy but when he pulls off the big overtakes we love it.

"People often talk to me about him and that is because the Japanese driver's reputation has transcended his results."

What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula 1 driver?

Fast, clever, joyful

What is the hardest thing about being an F1 driver?

To learn all the people and their names in a new team.

Formula 1 is not just about the car because…

...it is also passion.

If I was in charge of Formula 1 I would...

... strictly have one race in each country.

If I could drive in any era of Formula 1 it would be....

Now.

How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?

As a winner.

Ayrton Senna or Alain Prost?

KOBAYASHI STATS & FACTS Team: BMW Sauber Team-mate: Pedro de la Rosa Previous team: Toyota Nationality: Japanese Born: 13/09/1986, Amagasaki Grand Prix debut: Brazil 2009

Senna

Spa or Monaco?

Spa.

If you weren't an F1 driver what would you be?

A sushi master.

Who is your best friend among the drivers?

Kazuki Nakajima

Which F1 driver tells the worst jokes?

Between the drivers we don't have much to joke about.

Describe yourself in a few words.

I'm able to draw a line between my professional and my private life. I know when it is time to take things serious and when I'm free to enjoy life.

Do you excel at any other sports?

Water sports

What is your favourite song?

Michael Jackson songs

What car(s) other than an F1 car do you drive?

Mostly rental cars and I take a lot of taxis

What is your favourite music to drive to?

House music

What's the last book that you read?

I don't remember, it must have been a school book.

What would be your perfect day off?

Being alone in a quiet and warm place to relax, a beach would be nice.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Maldives - I love the beach and I like diving

Which famous person - dead or alive - would you like to have dinner with and why?

Several top athletes - it would be interesting to talk to them and to learn from them.

Tell us something about yourself that most F1 fans might not know.

Apparently everybody thinks I'm an aggressive person. I'm not!

F1 team review - Toyota

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