Kamui Kobayashi was the driver chosen to represent the Ferrari at the annual Moscow City Racing event held over the weekend. He was at the wheel of a 2009-spec F60 and in the wet conditions, well, things didn’t quite go to plan.
You can see an unofficial video after the break showing Kamui hitting the barrier. Ferrari’s Corse Clienti crew had a spare car prepared within 20 minutes enabling the Japanese driver to get back out on track and impress the fans.
“The track was very slippery and there was a marked bump at that point, which is why I hit the barrier,” Kobayshi said. “A shame, but I am pleased the team let me out again after a few minutes.”
Despite his bruised ego Kobayashi, who has been racing for Ferrari in the FIA World Endurance Championship, says he still remains hopeful of a return to F1 in 2014. And while you always need to be mindful of physical barriers in motorsport, Kamui says there may be some financial barriers he has to overcome.
“At the moment, there are many teams who prefer to choose their drivers based on how much money they can bring, rather than on their ability on track,” he said. “I hope this trend will change, because my aim is to be back there as soon as possible and I am working hard to succeed.
“Meanwhile, all I can do is give my all to Ferrari in the GT races and be available to the team for whatever they want me to do, such as events like this, or when they ask me to help with the development of the car by working on the simulator.â€
We’ve got some official pics and statements to follow Kamui’s unfortunate accident.
