Kobayashi deserves chance with big boys
Roar Pro Kamui Kobayashi became the first Japanese driver to stand on a Formula One podium for almost a decade in Suzuka.
He is just the third Japanese driver to achieve such a feat.
Alongside him stood two men well used to the experience. As world champion Sebastian Vettel is well used to the process, while Felipe Massa has heard Hino Nacional Brasileiro eleven times in his honour.
That it was the Japanese Grand Prix must have made it all the more special for Kobayashi. It’s an experience only Aguri Suzuki can relate to.
It was Sauber’s fourth podium of the year. The team is now a threat to Mercedes in the constructors’ championship, the small Swiss team just twenty points adrift of the great German marque.
Ferrari is third in the constructors’ title, some sixty points in arrears of Red Bull at the top of the class. Almost three quarters of its points have been amassed by Fernando Alonso.
Massa’s second place in Suzuka was his greatest single haul of points since 2010. It was an important result for Massa.
It was an equally important result for Kobayashi. Perhaps Kobayashi’s meant more under the circumstance but both have gravity. A Formula One podium is not to be taken for granted.
Kobayashi, once the brightest talent in Formula One, has been out shone by teammate Sergio Perez. The Mexican has signed with McLaren in place of Lewis Hamilton, reaffirming the lofty opinion in which he is held. Massa’s star has fallen. He is Ferrari’s second driver and some would say he’s barely that.
Both drivers are reportedly seeking employment at year’s end. Kobayashi has hinted that he will not continue with Sauber while Massa’s future has been under scrutiny for some time.
Both results therefore carried greater importance. It may not save them, but it at least makes any decision to replace them a little more difficult.
A podium in Formula One is not to be taken for granted and this one serves as a timely reminder to all that both drivers have talent.
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October 12th 2012 @ 9:09am
Fivehole said | October 12th 2012 @ 9:09am | Report comment
Was nice to see 2 others who haven’t made the podium this year up there. Would have preferred Webber to Vettel for 1st, but Mark’s luck seems to have dried up since he resigned with Red Bull.
I’d say Mercedes should be worried. Whilst less consistent than Mercedes, there have been times during many of the races earlier in the season where Sauber (usually Perez) has been fastest on the track and catching the leaders by 1sec+ per lap. I think by years end Mercedes will still be ahead, but by less than the current 20 point gap.