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Formula One
F1: Kobayashi Likely For 2010 Toyota Seat
Kamui Kobayashi's race to sixth place in Abu Dhabi got the attention of Toyota team president John Howett...
SPEED Staff / GMM  |  Posted November 01, 2009   Abu Dhabi (ARE)
Kamui Kobayashi's race to sixth place in Abu Dhabi got the attention of Toyota team president John Howett. *Photo: LAT Photographic)

After watching Kamui Kobayashi race to sixth place in Abu Dhabi, Toyota team president John Howett said Sunday the Japanese rookie had staked a worthy claim to a full-time race seat for 2010.

The Cologne based outfit is set to part with both Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, but both of its high-profile targets Robert Kubica and Kimi Raikkonen have turned down Toyota's advances.

Kobayashi, 23, demonstrated on-track flair two weeks ago in Brazil, and he allied that with genuine pace in Abu Dhabi as he again filled in for the injured Glock.

Asked if he was a shoe-in for a 2010 race seat, Howett told reporters: "It looks like it, yes."

"We have to really seriously consider him now after this good strong result," added the Briton, explaining that Kobayashi's chances are as good as 80 percent.

Howett confessed he had harbored some doubts about Kobayashi, who despite winning the last GP2 Asia championship, has been less impressive in the F1 feeder category's main series.

"I think it's a definite lesson that sometimes we all should be braver in our driver choices and not go for the safer, risk-hedged decision," he said.

Earlier Kobayashi admitted that he hoped his performance Sunday was an impressive audition.

"At the moment there is nothing for me for next year, so I had to show my performance," said the 23-year-old. "Two months ago I had no chance to drive in Formula One, but Toyota gave me a chance and now I have a really good opportunity for next year.”

"It's not yet confirmed,” he added. “But of course Toyota is my priority because I'm a junior driver for Toyota and this is like my home so I'm definitely awaiting an answer.”

Toyota cannot sign any drivers for next season until its 2010 budget is rubber-stamped at an executive board meeting in Tokyo in two weeks.

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