Kamui Kobayashi says he hopes he can score a good result in the Australian Grand Prix to bring some cheer to his countrymen following last week’s earthquake and tsunami.
Kobayashi said: “Of course I was very worried about my country and so went to Japan after the Barcelona test. I must say the situation is really, really bad.
“So many have lost their lives, become homeless, are without food and water in the cold winter, and have lost their loved ones. It is difficult to believe that a scenario worse than in any movie has become reality. We need to stay together and we need help from all over the world.
“I am worried the whole country could disappear – it is just too awful. Since the earthquake and the tsunami news is getting worse every day, there is nothing positive to look forward to at the moment.
“I feel I have to do something, I want to help – but in fact there is nothing I can do by myself. I think at least for the time being what I can do is to be focused and fully concentrate on the season’s opening race in Melbourne.
“Originally I was looking forward to this with great joy. Now what I really want to do is my very best to achieve a good result, which perhaps can at least give the people in Japan a little bit of hope and positive news.”
Team mate Sergio Perez, who is making his F1 debut this weekend, said:
“Without a doubt I am also worried about the people in Japan, and I really wish them all the best.
“At the same time personally a dream is about to come true. I have dreamed for many years of competing in my first Formula One Grand Prix, and now it is going to happen. I am excited and I am very much looking forward to it.”
Sauber will carry a special message on their car which says: “May our prayers reach the people in Japan.”
2011 Australian Grand Prix
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Image © Sauber F1 Team
RIISE (@riise)
18th March 2011, 9:31
I doubt a 10th place finish will give the Japanese much hope considering what they are going through.
Still can’t believe even now what’s happening in Japan. Homes lost, relatives dead. It’s going to take a while for Japan to recover from this.
US_Peter (@us_peter)
18th March 2011, 22:36
It’s really bad. I emailed with a friend last night who lives near the epicenter and he said it was like a dirt roller coaster.
bigbadderboom
18th March 2011, 9:42
My thoughts are with the people of japan, some very tragic stories now coming from there. Good luck to Koba in Melbourne, and although he has no realistic podium chance, it may provide a distraction to some of those affected to cheer on a fellow countryman.
slr
18th March 2011, 10:09
Good luck to Kobayashi for Australia, I hope he does his home nation proud. My thought are with the people of Japan.
verstappen
18th March 2011, 10:20
Here’s to a crazy race, with Kobayashi on the podium, preferably on the top step!
US_Peter (@us_peter)
18th March 2011, 22:38
That would make my year!
Steph (@)
18th March 2011, 11:38
My thoughts are with all thsoe suffering in Japan and hopefully Kobayashi could give them a small surprise and distraction.
damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
19th March 2011, 0:11
I think it would be fantastic to see him do well. Lets hope Sauber have remembered to adhere the front wing to the car. ;)
montreal95
18th March 2011, 13:02
As they say, we all should do our part. Koba’s part is to give the Japanese people some reason to smile(however small) in the midst of all the terrible sadness.
My thoughts are with all the people in Japan, and I hope that somehow we can see the Jspanese flag on the podium. That would be something! IMO that would be the most emotional podium in F1 for a very very long time.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
18th March 2011, 13:13
Amidst all the chaos in Japan a decent result from Kobayashi wouldn’t improve the situation, but it might take their minds off it all for 5 minutes.
I saw on the front of Metro this morning about the guys stuck in the power plants, horrifying stuff :(
BasCB
18th March 2011, 13:18
Great spirit shown by Kamui Kobayashi and indeed all of the Japanese in facing this enormous catastrophy. I hope he really gets a great result for all of them.
electrolite (@electrolite)
18th March 2011, 15:23
Seeing a determined and emotional Kobayashi driving with all his heart at Albert park is going to be glorious to watch, is it not? Cannot wait.
George (@george)
18th March 2011, 18:11
How many laps did Kobayashi actually complete at Melbourne last year? I seem to remember him having no front wing for the majority of the weekend.
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
19th March 2011, 10:28
He even couldn’t complete sector 1 last year.
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
19th March 2011, 10:26
A top 10 is the best he & the team can expect.