Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi will make his Formula One race debut in Brazil next weekend after Toyota ruled out regular driver Timo Glock due to a back injury on Sunday.
Toyota said the 27-year-old German was also doubtful for the season-ending Abi Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1.
Glock crashed heavily and gashed his leg in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on October 3 after missing Friday practice due to a fever and heavy cold.
Toyota said subsequent medical checks in Germany showed he had cracked a vertebra when he slammed head-on into a tyre wall.
“Obviously everyone in the team is very disappointed and feels for Timo; we wish him a very speedy recovery,” said Toyota motorsport president John Howett in a statement. New York Times
“Based on the initial diagnosis, we fully expected Timo to return in Brazil but unfortunately a different injury has been revealed which prevents that.”
“He will remain in Germany to recover and we hope he can recuperate in time for Abu Dhabi, although at this stage the situation is not clear.”
Kobayashi is the reigning GP2 Asia champion and recently completed his second GP2 Series campaign. He has been Toyota’s third driver since the beginning of 2008. The 23 year-old replaced Glock at Suzuka when a heavy cold prevented the German from running in Friday practice. Formula 1
“Kamui was the natural choice to step in and he proved in Suzuka that he is capable of holding his own. It is a difficult task for him but he knows the team will give him its complete support and we know he is motivated to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.”
A decision on Timo’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be made in due course.
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