• Japanese Grand Prix

Kobayashi 'very proud' of Suzuka

Kamui Kobayashi wants to deliver a good result in front of his home fans © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Japanese Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Kamui Kobayashi

• Teams:
• Alfa Romeo

Kamui Kobayashi says he is "very proud" that Japan boasts "one of the really great circuits" in Suzuka.

Many of the drivers have been commenting on the challenge and special nature of Suzuka in the build up to the Japanese Grand Prix, with the technical circuit now firmly established as one of the classics on the Formula One calendar. Kobayashi says that his home race is a special one because of the support he receives coupled with the venue.

"[It's] always great to come back to Japan as I am Japanese and so many fans always waiting," Kobayashi said. "I am very proud of Suzuka, as this is one of the really great circuits. It is always really enjoyable to drive here as well. Racing here is always great and really thanks to the many fans as they are always waiting for Formula One."

Kobayashi confirmed that Sauber's upgrade package was the most significant of the season as it tries to regain sixth place in the constructor's championship from Force India.

"We have reasonable update. For us it will be like last update. We had a couple of small updates but this is biggest step for this year. This circuit, the aerodynamics are quite important, so I think if it works well we can see a good result and this is what we want for this week."

Kobayashi also said that the weight of expectation from the home fans could be a positive for him, but that his performance was dependent on how well the car works.

"It is easier I hope, but if the car is good it is always easier. But Suzuka is quite a tough track. When you only have one lap to get it together it is quite tricky. For the race a small mistakes means you are always missing a lot of lap time. This circuit is not easy, but if the car is good it is not so difficult driving here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.