Former Formula 1 driver Kamui Kobayashi has signalled his interest in a potential switch to the NTT IndyCar Series should the opportunity present itself.
Kobayashi currently races for Toyota in the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning the 2019-20 title, and has claimed victory at the Daytona 24 Hours on two occasions.
Kobayashi previously competed in Formula 1 for Toyota, Sauber and Caterham, making 75 starts, reaching the podium on home soil in 2012.
Alongside his WEC commitments, the 34-year-old also races in the Japan-based Super Formula series, which uses a Dallara chassis; the same company also supplies IndyCar.
Speaking to RACER, he said: “I’m still doing the Super Formula series in Japan and this car is made by Dallara, so I think the car would be quite similar.
“It’s different weight, different tyres, different engine, but of course I know how Dallara makes its chassis, so I’d be pretty confident.
“Driving for Toyota, I can have some opportunities to drive for Cadillac if there aren’t any scheduling. But for sure, to have the opportunity.
“I would be very excited to join IndyCar because it is a really huge race series. I know that there’s a lot of good drivers. Definitely, it’s a very competitive championship.”
Kobayashi currently drives alongside former IndyCar driver Mike Conway in the No.7 Toyota and he has also worked with IndyCar champions Scott Dixon and Simon Pagenaud during his appearances at Daytona.
“Scott, I’ve driven with him last year; I don’t know how many times he won the championship…I don’t feel he’s losing performance; he’s improving,” he added.
“So. I’m quite big fan of open-wheel, and IndyCar would be a good opportunity.
“There are many drivers coming from many championships, and I bring a lot of experience, with Formula 3, Formula Renault, GP2, Super Formula and Formula 1. IndyCar would be the newest one.”
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