Kamui Kobayashi will make his Formula One debut with Toyota at the Brazilian GP next week, after Timo Glock‘s injuries at the Japanese GP are worse than first thought.
Glock sustained a cut leg after a crash at the final turn of Suzuka in Qualifying, and was expected to be back for the next race. However, further medical checks in Germany revealed he had also suffered a cracked vertebrae in the accident.
“Obviously everyone in the team is very disappointed and feels for Timo,” said Team President John Howett. “Based on the initial diagnosis, we fully expected Timo to return in Brazil but unfortunately a different injury has been revealed which prevents that.”
However Glock may not even be able to participate in the season finale, at the new Abu Dhabi circuit in November.
“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.” said Howett.
This means test driver Kobayashi will make his Formula One race debut at Interlagos. Howett continued; “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.”
