Kobayashi Has “Adjusted Pretty Well” to Lexus RC F GT3

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Kamui Kobayashi feels he’s “adjusted pretty well” to the Lexus RC F GT3 ahead of Sunday’s Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park despite having limited time in the car due to an accident in Free Practice 2 by his co-driver.

The Toyota factory star has been drafted into Vasser Sullivan’s GTD Pro class entry alongside Ben Barnicoat this weekend, filling in for Jack Hawksworth, who has not yet been cleared to race following an injury sustained in May.

Kobayashi turned a total of 26 laps in Friday’s practice session but did not get any further seat time on Saturday due to Barnicoat’s crash that resulted in the car sustaining heavy front-end damage.

Barnicoat returned to the cockpit of the repaired Lexus to qualify fifth in class.

“The team worked hard and the car got back out for qualifying,” Kobayashi told Sportscar365. “Obviously the car was not really well prepared [for qualifying] unfortunately but I think it was a hard time for guys working to repair the car.

“We managed [to get back on track] in time and I think that was the biggest target. At least we [got out] and qualified. Ben did a great job. Still, he said he could have made a better lap time but this is how it is in qualifying.

“It’s a bit of shame but this is how it is in racing. Still it’s not the end of the game because we have a race tomorrow.”

While having previous GT3 experience in both a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020, Kobayashi said he also had to come to grips with Michelin’s Pilot Sport S9M tire compound for the first time this weekend.

“My last GT3 experience was in 2020, so nearly two years ago,” he said. “I think the tires are a bit different because in Europe we use Pirelli and here it’s Michelin so it was my first run with Michelins in a GT3 car.

“I felt a lot of grip. Also, it was my first run on this track as well. There are many things for me that are new but I felt pretty good in the car.

“Obviously it’s hard to say if the car is brilliant or not but honestly I think I adjusted pretty well and I think I got down to the pace. 

“I feel quite happy about our car. Of course there’s many things we can improve but still I need to learn myself, just driving in this car. 

“The car is doing well and the team is working hard. The level of engineering is pretty good so I think what they’re doing in IMSA in the GT3 championship is a very high level.

“The GTD Pro class is very high level and very high quality, fast and strong lineups from every team. The competition is really high.

“The car has to be good if you want to fight here.”

Kobayashi said the opportunity to jump in Vasser Sullivan’s Lexus came during last weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen when he was racing in the DPi class in the No. 48 Action Express Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R.

“I got the call from Andy [Graves, Toyota Racing Development] and he asked me about this opportunity here,” he explained.

“When I looked at my schedule, yes, I had to go back to Europe, but for the weekend my scheduled looked clear so that’s why I returned here.

“I’m pretty happy being here because this is my first time driving at Mosport. Actually, I had never heard this track name before.

“After last week in Watkins Glen, I’ve been at the simulator in Charlotte and been around the track.”

“Quite Important” Experience Ahead of New Toyota/Lexus GT3 Car

Kobayashi believes his track time this weekend could play a significant role as Toyota and Lexus continue work on the development of an all-new GT3 car that’s slated to debut as early as 2024.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, Toyota Gazoo Racing is working to bring the GR GT3 Concept to production, with the car forming the base of Toyota and/or Lexus’ future GT3 offering.

“I think that’s both sides because at Toyota we are working on the future GT3 and also this is an important project we have back in Japan,” Kobayashi said.

“Obviously, to have this experience it probably seems quite important for myself, for us to develop the future GT3.

“We are collaborating more with TRD, USA to make sure in the future to work well for the next stage of the GT3 for us.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John