The 2-time World Endurance champion and total winner within the 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours will start 28th in his Cup debut on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Highway Course, driving the #67 23XI Racing Toyota.
He joins a star-studded area that features Shane van Gisbergen, Brodie Kostecki, Jenson Button, and Mike Rockenfeller for Sunday’s race.
“It’s been an extended preparation for myself,” stated Kobayashi throughout a Saturday press convention at IMS.
“I’ve been touring from Japan 3 times from Europe to Charlotte and I used to be getting ready being right here on the Indy Highway Course.
“I’m actually comfortable to lastly get right here. I believe the preparation was fairly good.
“I believe 23XI helped me to get right here and be fairly assured. Clearly, I believe Toyota and TRD have helped me loads within the simulator classes to be ready for this highway course.
“Truthfully, I believe with my preparation and every part that I’m 100% prepared for this weekend.”
Though Kobayashi has by no means made a begin in any stage of inventory automotive racing earlier than, the 36-year-old has loads of expertise elsewhere, beginning 75 System 1 races between 2009 and 2014, scoring one podium and ending as excessive as twelfth within the championship standings.
Main as much as this occasion, Kobayashi has performed a number of hours of simulator work and examined the automotive on-track at Virginia Worldwide Raceway.
Kamui Kobayashi with Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing, Monster Vitality Toyota Camry and Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing, McDonald’s Toyota Camry
Picture by: Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Images
He can even lean on his team-mates, which incorporates defending Indy RC winner Tyler Reddick.
“I’ll say the automotive behaviour is difficult for me as a result of I’ve by no means pushed such much less downforce with the load,” stated Kobayashi.
“I believe weight switch within the automotive is completely different than what I’m used to driving. Once I did the rookie check at VIR it was fairly good. Simply after a pair laps I really feel fairly assured.
“I believe right here after the rookie check I might say it’s not too dangerous to be sincere, and with all of the preparation, it helped my confidence stage as nicely.”