Kobayashi confirmed starter for Caterham's F1 return

KamuiKobayashi

The Japanese driver, formerly of Sauber, has endured a luckless 2014 season, retiring in four races and failing to finish in the top 10 as he enters the final race of the year point-less.

Furthermore, Caterham's fall into administration saw them out of action for grands prix in the United States and Brazil, but Kobayashi said he will return to drive in the United Arab Emirates - after a plea to fans saw them scrape together enough funding to compete.

Kobayashi's Caterham team-mate this season, Marcus Ericsson has already cut ties with the garage ahead of his switch to Sauber next season and will not race in Abu Dhabi.

"I am happy to be racing with the team in Abu Dhabi," Kobayashi said in a statement.

"It hasn't been an easy last few weeks, so it will be nice to be back to in the car and work together with the Caterham F1 team members. 

"I would like to thank the fans for supporting the team like they have.  This team is working hard and never gives up. 

"We deserve to be racing in Abu Dhabi and I am very glad we can race again thanks to the crowd-funding project. 

"Now it is our turn to show what we can do - we will all try our best during the weekend ahead and hopefully we can end the season with a positive result for the future of this team."

Caterham administrator Finbarr O'Connell was thrilled to have Kobayashi representing the team on their return after a two-race hiatus.

"The team are delighted to have Kamui on board for the race weekend in Abu Dhabi," he said.

"The team commented that Kamui is a highly talented racing driver and he should be in a race car - that's where he belongs. 

"After the recent period of uncertainty for Caterham F1, the team are delighted, as part of its restructuring plan, to be able to showcase the cars again and what better way than with world renowned drivers, like Kamui."

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