Kobayashi: We missed some opportunities for some more great results
3 August, 2012
Kamui Kobayashi looks back on the first half of the 2012 season
Aug.3 (Sauber) The FIA Formula One World Championship is taking its summer break now with four weekends free from racing, and the factories will shut down for two weeks. With 11 Grands Prix completed and a further nine to come. Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi ranks tenth (33 points), he spoke before disappearing on his mid-term break.
How would you assess the season so far?
Kamui Kobayashi: Overall we have done a good job and achieved great things. The team built a very good car with an excellent performance. Since the beginning of the season we have been competitive on most tracks, and this means we can be confident for the remainder of the season. The downside so far has been [that] we definitely missed some opportunities for some more great results. Too often we didn’t manage the weekend perfectly. If we can improve there, a lot will be possible.
In which way have you personally improved in 2012 compared to last year?
KK: I don’t think I have changed a lot personally, but I feel this year we work closer together with the engineers and on a higher level.
What are your targets for the second half of the season?
KK: On the one hand I want to get my first podium in Formula One, because this is definitely within reach with this car, while on the other we have to focus on our position in the constructors’ championship and score points on a regular basis.
What do you think about having so many different winners this season?
KK: I think the main reasons are the changes in the technical regulations with the banning of off-throttle blowing and the flexible front wings. This brought the teams much closer together. This year sometimes in qualifying there have been nearly ten cars within two tenths of a second. The smallest mistake makes a huge difference to the position you start from. The result of all this is [that] there are many different winners, which is good for Formula One, good for the fans and good for us drivers.
What are your plans for the summer break?
KK: I haven’t decided yet as first of all I have some events and appointments to attend in Japan. After them I will have a look to find myself a warm place with a beach.
Subbed by AJN.
Related posts:
- Sauber: A race of missed opportunities
- Toro Rosso: A night of missed opportunities
- Kobayashi: I don’t know Suzuka very well
- Sauber: A race of missed opportunities
- Kimi Raikkonen will be missed by Formula 1
