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Caterham confirm that Kamui Kobayashi will race in the Japanese GP

Local hero appearing at Suzuka

Image: Kamui Kobayashi: Will race at Suzuka this weekend

Caterham confirmed on Wednesday that Kamui Kobayashi will race in his home Japanese GP at Suzuka this weekend.

Since being replaced by Andre Lotterer for August’s Belgian GP, Kobyashi has been appearing on a race-by-race basis for the cash-strapped team alongside Marcus Ericsson.

“I’m very excited to be back in front of all my Japanese fans and racing at Suzuka; I’ve been waiting for this race for over a year,” said Kobayashi, who claimed his only F1 podium finish to date there when he finished third in 2012.

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“The Japanese Grand Prix and Suzuka have always been very special for me: it’s where I experienced my first F1 Free Practice sessions back in 2009 and where I also achieved my first ever Formula 1 podium finish in 2012 and, this year, I am able to come back to Suzuka thanks to the support I received from my fans.

“This means a lot to me and I would like to thank them all once again. I only have positive feelings going into this weekend.

“Unfortunately, this year I have to admit that I won’t be fighting for a podium, but I will do my best to reward my fans with a strong performance in order to thank them for their enormous support – I look forward to meeting them all there.”

Image: Kobayashi finished third in the 2012 Japanese GP

Caterham ran Roberto Merhi in practice at the Italian GP and the Spaniard will also take part in P1 on Friday.

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“I’m very happy to be driving in another FP1 session with Caterham F1 Team. I want to thank the team for this opportunity – after my first outing a month ago in Italy, I am now looking forward to another 90 minutes in the car,” the Formula Renault 3.5 driver said.

“I will not be starting from zero like last time, so I will be able to get up to speed quicker.”

The 2014 Japanese GP is live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Extensive coverage of Race Day at Suzuka begins at 5.30am on Sunday with lights out at 7am.

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