Kamui Kobayashi is hoping to make a positive impression on his home fans when he races in his first Japanese Grand Prix next weekend.
Kobayashi took part in the first two free practice seasons at last year's race when his then team-mate Timo Glock was unwell, but the German recovered in time to take up his position for the race.
Now in his first full season in F1, Kobayashi is looking forward to racing in front of his home fans, having not raced in Japan since 2003 when he was just 17.
"Returning to race in Japan as a Formula One driver means a lot to me," said the Sauber driver.
"I had a taste of it last year when I stepped in for Timo Glock at Toyota for the Friday practice sessions. This was at short notice, but for this year's race a lot of supporters are going to be there.
"There has been a 'Kamui Kobayashi' fans corner set up between turns two and three. It has more than 2000 seats and has been sold out for quite a while. I managed to buy tickets for friends and I hope they will be having fun."
The 24-year-old is hopeful of improving on his DNF in Singapore, a race in which he failed to capitalise on a top ten finish in qualifying, crashing out.
"After a good qualifying the outcome of the race in Singapore was, of course, disappointing for me. I hope in Suzuka we have reason to be happy on both Saturday and on Sunday. We all think the circuit should suit our car pretty well," he added.
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