Kobayashi to remain with Sauber

Kamui Kobayashi has 21 points so far this season

Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi is to remain with Sauber for the 2011 season, the Formula 1 team have confirmed.

He was a test driver for the team in 2008 and 2009 and seized his chance when standing in for the injured Timo Glock in the final two races last year.

The 23-year-old has collected 21 points so far this season, with his best finish a sixth place at Silverstone.

"We enjoy having our rookie as part of the team - as a driver and a person," said team principal Peter Sauber.

Kobayashi is 12th in the drivers' championship, team-mate Pedro de la Rosa is 17th, while the team is eighth in the constructors' table having earned 27 points.

"We never had any doubts about working with him again in 2011," added Sauber.

606: DEBATE Can Kobayashi win a place on the podium this season?

"Kamui has definitely fulfilled our expectations in terms of his speed and fighting spirit. Plus, his work with the engineers and his technical understanding has also developed very well.

"The experience he has built up over his first full season in Formula 1 will certainly stand him in good stead for 2011. And our aim is to give him a fast and reliable car from the outset next season."

Kobayashi finished sixth in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 and has impressed ever since. He has also made it into the top 10 of qualifying on three occasions during the current campaign.

"We had a very difficult start to the season but we've worked together to pull ourselves out of that situation," stated Kobayashi.

"I feel very much at home in Peter Sauber's team and am very pleased we will be working together again in 2011. However, for now I'm focusing 100% on this year.

"There are still six grand prix weekends to go in 2010 and we'll be hoping to make up more ground."

An announcement about the team's second driver for the 2011 season will be announced at a later date.

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