21 January 2014

Kobayashi racing at Caterham for free this season

Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi says he is racing for Caterham for free in Formula One this year after being named in the English team's 2014 line-up.

The 27-year-old Kobayashi, who returns to F1 after being dropped by Sauber at the end of 2012, has also paid Caterham £1 million ($1.65 million) in sponsorship raised by his fans to get him back in the sport.

Kobayashi says "I don't need or care about money. I just want to drive ... so I am racing for free."

Kobayashi drove for Ferrari in the GT Pro class of the World Endurance Championship last season, and was offered a new contract by the team this season.

Alongside Kobayashi at Caterham is Swedish newcomer Marcus Ericsson.