From GMM
Japanese Formula 1 driver Kazuki Nakajima has confirmed widespread paddock speculation that his links with Toyota helped him secure the Williams race seat.
The 24-year-old Japanese joined the formula one grid at the end of 2007, the same year the British team had linked up for a semi-works engine deal with Toyota.
Unlike his father Satoru whose career was linked throughout to Honda, Kazuki Nakajima was part of Toyota's young driver programme and stayed with the marque all the way to his Williams test seat.
But he insists that, now in his second full season on the F1 grid, his enduring Toyota link is no guarantee of a future in the sport.
"There definitely was help from Toyota for me to find a seat in Williams but after that it's all my job," he said in an interview with CNN.
"Basically when I was a test driver I had to perform in the testing to show the team that I'm good enough to be a race driver," Nakajima added.
"There is no help on the race track so I just perform."
In 2009, he is yet to outqualify his teammate Nico Rosberg or score a point.
photo:Team Williams
Japanese Formula 1 driver Kazuki Nakajima has confirmed widespread paddock speculation that his links with Toyota helped him secure the Williams race seat.
The 24-year-old Japanese joined the formula one grid at the end of 2007, the same year the British team had linked up for a semi-works engine deal with Toyota.
Unlike his father Satoru whose career was linked throughout to Honda, Kazuki Nakajima was part of Toyota's young driver programme and stayed with the marque all the way to his Williams test seat.
But he insists that, now in his second full season on the F1 grid, his enduring Toyota link is no guarantee of a future in the sport.
"There definitely was help from Toyota for me to find a seat in Williams but after that it's all my job," he said in an interview with CNN.
"Basically when I was a test driver I had to perform in the testing to show the team that I'm good enough to be a race driver," Nakajima added.
"There is no help on the race track so I just perform."
In 2009, he is yet to outqualify his teammate Nico Rosberg or score a point.
photo:Team Williams