Toyota Sponsors to Secure Kobayashi Renault Seat?

We know there are a bunch of drivers out there on the market looking for a place in the 2010 Formula One roster, but don't rule out rookie driver Kamui Kobayashi just yet. Although his best chance of securing an F1 spot next year has left the building about a month ago (Toyota), the Japanese manufacturer's former sponsors seem to be interested in continuing Kobayashi's career in the series.

The Japanese rookie impressed every F1 pundit last season, when he scored some fine performances at the wheel of the TF109. While replacing injured Timo Glock for the final 2 races of the season, Kobayashi just missed out on points in the first one and scored a 6th place at the season finale at Abu Dhabi.

According to the latest report from French magazine Auto Hebdo, Kobayashi might go the Renault way thanks to sponsors Panasonic and KDDI. Panasonic, the well-known electronic company, and KDDI, a Japanese telcom company, seem ready to provide Kobayashi with the necessary sponsorship to secure him a seat, and Renault is currently looking hungrier for cash than ever.

When asked about it, Kobayashi did not want to reveal anything about a potential deal with Renault, but revealed that he and his manager will travel to Europe next month to try and sign a 2010 deal. Renault may not seem like his best chance at the moment, as the French manufacturer is yet to announce a definitive decision regarding their future involvement in the series.

“For next year, I think my manager has been talking to other teams but, to be honest, I want to take a break now. I will go back to Europe in December to speak about the upcoming season. So, for now, I don't know what will happen for next year,” said Kobayashi, according to gpupdate.net, at last weekend's Toyota Motor Sport Festival at Fuji Speedway.