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Kobayashi to Drive BMW DTM Car in Fuji ‘Dream Race’

Kamui Kobayashi selected to drive BMW M4 DTM in Fuji Class One exhibition race…

Photo: Toyota

Toyota LMP1 driver Kamui Kobayashi has been picked to represent BMW in the upcoming joint Class One race between DTM and Super GT machinery at Fuji Speedway.

The Japanese racer, who currently co-leads the WEC drivers’ standings, will pilot one of the German marque’s BMW M4 DTM cars for the first time.

Kobayashi is BMW’s second driver announcement after Alex Zanardi was confirmed to take part in the so-called ‘Dream Race’ exhibition event on Nov. 22-24.

“First of all, I would like to thank BMW Motorsport for the offer to race in one of their BMW M4 DTM cars at the ‘Dream Race’ at Fuji,” said Kobayashi.

“Also, I want to say thank you to Toyota for letting me take this opportunity. Fuji will be my first time driving the BMW M4 DTM, but BMW Motorsport gave me the opportunity to prepare a little bit and get an idea of the car.

“I will do my best to give the fans a good show with the BMW M4 DTM.”

Kobayashi, who is the current Le Mans lap record holder, has never raced in DTM but is familiar with Super GT, having contested most of last season with Lexus Team SARD.

BMW is set to announce its third and final driver for the Fuji race “shortly”, according to its motorsport director Jens Marquardt.

“Like Alex Zanardi, our second driver for the Dream Race is another real gem,” Marquardt commented.

“Kamui Kobayashi will make his race debut for BMW Motorsport and is sure to attract plenty of interest in the ‘Dream Race’ from many of his Japanese compatriots and fans.

“Kamui has shown his class and versatility in Formula 1, Le Mans, and the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. He is sure to be fast in the BMW M4 DTM too.”

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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