The Japanese driver only had two outings in the Toyota race suit last year, but convinced everyone he is Formula One material when nearly missing out on the points in his debut race and scoring a valuable 6th place during the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Following Toyota's withdrawal from the series, his managers have been on continuous contact with Renault, Lotus F1 and Sauber F1 Team to secure their client an F1 future.
As reported by the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, the 23-year old driver already signed an agreement with Peter Sauber's team, but the confirmation from the Swiss team will only come once the team's second drive would have also been secured.
Nick Heidfeld and Pedro de la Rosa are both linked with that second seat, according to German and Swiss media reports, with both drivers being on hold due to their alternative options for the 2010 season. The Spaniard is also in pole position to secure a seat with new team Campos Grand Prix, as admitted by the Spanish team's president earlier this week, while Heidfeld seems to be Mercedes GP's backup in case Michael Schumacher will change his mind (again) and decide against a return to F1.
“It is believed the reigning Renault World Series champion Bertrand Baguette will be the Hinwil based team's reserve driver in 2010,” said a report from the GMM news agency, citing media in Switzerland.
However, should Kobayashi fail to impress Peter Sauber by mid-season, it is believed Baguette might step in and do the job for the rest of the 2010 season. Such a possibility was hinted by the Belgian's very manager Manfredi Ravetto.
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