Kamui Kobayashi joins Andretti for Hong Kong ePrix

Kamui Kobayashi, the former Formula One driver and current driver for Toyota in the Super Formula and FIA WEC competitions, will make his Formula E debut at Hong Kong ePrix, the opening round of the 2017/2018 Formula E Championship.

Kobayashi is hired by Andretti Formula E team, backed by Japanese-based MS&AD Insurance Group. Kobayashi will pilot the #27 Andretti ATEC-003 at the streets of Hong Kong on December 2-3.

Japanese sponsor and Japanese driver in the Andretti FE team

“We are very fortunate to have a driver of Kobayashi’s caliber in the No. 27 MS&AD Andretti car to start the season in Hong Kong. He has shown what he can do in both Formula One and WEC, making Formula E a perfect next step. To partner one of the largest companies in Japan, MS&AD Insurance, with one of the most popular Japanese racing drivers, will be exciting to see. The passion that Japanese fans have is incredible and we expect to see that when he makes his debut in Hong Kong,” said Andretti Formula E CEO Michael Andretti.

“First of all, I would like to thank to Michael, the whole Andretti Formula E team and MS&AD insurance for giving me this wonderful opportunity to race at the Hong Kong ePrix. Andretti is one of the world most popular racing families and I am so excited to have my Formula E debut race under his name. I will be going to the race weekend without testing which is not an easy thing to be honest, but the team has been giving me all the support so no worrying at all and I am really looking forward to having good races there,” Kamui Kobayashi commented.

Kobayashi will team up with experienced Formula E driver Antonio Felix da Costa. Previously, DTM driver Tom Blomqvist was set to replace Robin Frijns at Andretti Autosport but his seat was granted to Kobayashi for Hong Kong. The team didn’t announce who will drive for them in the remainder of the season.

Photos: Andretti FE team