Japanese GP: Kamui Kobayashi hopes to boost career with Suzuka result

The Sauber driver has set his sights on a podium finish at Suzuka following his top-three qualifying performance, and is well aware that such a result would boost his chances of retaining his seat.

When asked by AUTOSPORT if a strong result in Japan was essential for his future, Kobayashi said: "It is very, very important of course for next year, but I have no worries for next year.

"I will just try to focus on my job at the moment and I think I need a podium as well. This one is very important."

Kobayashi insisted that he would not go all out for a risky podium though - and that if he just concentrated on doing the best job he could then the result would take care of itself.

"People say podium, but I just want to do a perfect job for tomorrow. If I do the perfect job then I think I have a good chance of a podium.

"We didn't expect to be so strong in qualifying because I think our car is normally better for the race. Maybe we thought we would struggle a little bit in qualifying."

There had been some doubt about whether or not Kobayashi's final effort would be valid - because it was set under yellow flags - but the fact he did not beat his best time in that sector meant his lap was safe.

"I saw the yellow flags but I didn't use DRS and did not use KERS," he explained. "I also backed off a little bit, so I lost a couple of tenths there. I think I had a little bit more pace which was good so I have to say it was always safe."