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Toyota's Timo Glock - Source: Reuters
Japan's Kamui Kobayashi will make his Formula One race debut in
Brazil next weekend after Toyota ruled out regular driver Timo
Glock due to a back injury on Sunday.
Toyota said the 27-year-old German was also doubtful for the
season-ending Abi Dhabi Grand Prix on Nov. 1.
Glock crashed heavily and gashed his leg in qualifying for the
Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on Oct. 3 after missing Saturday's
practice due to a fever and heavy cold.
Toyota said subsequent medical checks in Germany showed he had
cracked a vertebra when he slammed head-on into a tyre
wall.
"Obviously everyone in the team is very disappointed and feels for
Timo; we wish him a very speedy recovery," said Toyota motorsport
president John Howett in a statement.
"Based on the initial diagnosis, we fully expected Timo to return
in Brazil but unfortunately a different injury has been revealed
which prevents that.
"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," added Howett.
Reserve driver Kobayashi, 23, stood in for Glock in a rain-hit
practice at Suzuka.
"Kamui was the natural choice to step in and he proved in Suzuka
that he is capable of holding his own," said Howett.
"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."
Kobayashi's surprise call-up will double the number of Japanese
drivers on the Interlagos starting grid next Sunday with Williams's
Kazuki Nakajima currently the country's sole
representative.
Nakajima has yet to score a point this season in 15
starts.
Glock finished second in his last race, the Singapore Grand Prix
on Sept. 27 but his future at Toyota had been uncertain before his
accident with Howett suggesting that the team could opt for an
all-new lineup in 2010.
Toyota have already allowed their option on Glock to lapse, with
Howett saying in Suzuka Glock could still be in the car next year
but the team wanted to keep all their options open.
