Vettel wins F1 Japanese Grand Prix

Pretty over the top coverage of Kobayashi on Fuji TV today, though he doesn't even get a mention in this AP article. Like they were at different races.

But seventh was still a great drive, the guy is definitely a step up from the previous couple of Japanese drivers.

LOL @ GJDailleult. Yes, bombastic language indeed!

A Japanese friend asked me: "Is Kamui really as famous throughout the world as the commentators are saying?"

Great, solid drive from Mark! He knows this consistency will get him that title. No need to take risks now. As for Kobayashi - he is a quite all over the place in most races - and crashes a lot - it's lucky he brings millions of $$$ with him to get a drive.

Its a good thing for Kobayashi's money. Peter Sauber had a comfortable retirement before BMW lost interest. At least the team is still around where many others... Arrows, Prost, Jaguar, Honda etc. have died off.

As for Kobayashi - he is a quite all over the place in most races - and crashes a lot - it's lucky he brings millions of $$$ with him to get a drive.

Hmmm not quite right, he's definitely not a pay driver and his contract has just been renewed recently for next year, as for his DNF's most of the times it's because of mechanical problems.

His team mate next year is going to be a mexican rookie who is bringing Telmex sponsorship with him but he also happens to be a good driver.

Whilst Kobayashi isn't a household name across the globe, in racing circles he is making big waves. Yes he doesn't have the consistency yet, but remember this is only his first full season. He is capable of some sensational overtaking manouvers.

And the coverage of Kobayashi on fuji TV - I didn't see it, I was at the race, - well I suppose it was always going to Kobayashi heavy. Just as it is Button/Hamilton heavy in the UK, Webber heavy in Oz, Massa/Barrichello heavy in Brazil etc. Nothing strange about focussing on the home drivers.

Some really aggressive driving and overtakes by Kamui. Starting 14th and finishing 7th is impressive. Apart from the openning lap, this race would have been a bit boring without Kamui and his crazy driving.

Thanks Daisan - I thought I had read somewhere Kobayashi was a pay-to-drive driver, but apparently not. He is exciting to watch, it would just be nice to see the kid string some consistancy together. It's sad that there isn't much Japanese involvement in F1 anymore, when Toyota and Honda were players - even team Aguri - there seemed loads more media and public interest.

Soooo, F1 is still in business. How about that!! ;)

#

BurakuminDes at 08:39 PM JST - 10th October

Great, solid drive from Mark! He knows this consistency will get him that title. No need to take risks now. As for Kobayashi - he is a quite all over the place in most races - and crashes a lot - it's lucky he brings millions of $$$ with him to get a drive.

Kobayashi was the driver of the day in most opinions and he's not a pay driver .Given the superiority of the car he is driving Mark Webber might have been World Champion by now if he was half as good as KK.

Kobayashi was the driver of the day in most opinions and he's not a pay driver .Given the superiority of the car he is driving Mark Webber might have been World Champion by now if he was half as good as KK.

fleetwood - with due respect, do you watch much F1? Mark Webber started out his career in a car infinitely inferior to Kobayashi's - a bomb called a Minardi - and shocked the world by wrestling that thing to 5th place on debut. He has got to where he is now - at the top - by hard-work, perseverance, and damn fast driving! You can only beat "the new Schumacher" (Vettel) by being a pretty special driver, which Mark is.

Kamui is a good kid, but has a long way to go to be half as good as Webber. I hope he has some success like the most successful ever Japanese driver - Takuma Sato - it would inject some sorely needed Japanese interest into the sport. But let's hope Webber gets that Championship this year he so deserves!

You can only beat "the new Schumacher" (Vettel) by being a pretty special driver

Or by not giving any room and causing him to crash, as at the race in Turkey.

Webber's OK for a No2 [as he said himself] - He was going nowhere until Red Bull bought Jaguar and got Adrian Newey in as a designer.

As for my knowledge of F1 - at least I knew enough to know that KK wasn't a rent a driver

Webber's OK for a No2 [as he said himself] - He was going nowhere until Red Bull bought Jaguar and got Adrian Newey in as a designer.

Let's just wait and see who brings that title home - and I don't think it's gonna be the pint-sized German prat!

I don't think it's gonna be the pint-sized German prat!

I hope you're right - Webber may not be the fastest but at least he's not a prima donna like Vettel

I'm just hoping Korea goes ahead, a new track, anything could happen... it is a great end to the season!