Kobayashi finds new home in Super Formula

Kamui Kobayashi will attempt to put his ill-fated return to F1 behind him after inking a deal to race in Japan's domestic Super Formula in 2015.

The former Toyota and Sauber racer returned to the top flight with Caterham after sitting out the 2013 season, but the move proved to be a disaster as the team lurched from one crisis to another, missing several races at the end of the campaign before re-appearing in Abu Dhabi thanks to a crowd-funding initiative. Kobayashi had already been stood down temporarily as Caterham attempted to find improved results and, with the team's future uncertain for 2015, the national hero has decided to cut his losses and return home in search of success.

Kobayashi announced his Super Formula deal via his Facebook page, admitting that he was looking to kick-start his single-seater career after a brief Ferrari-engineered spell in GTs during his year out of F1.

"I join Super Formula series for 2015," the fan favourite confirmed, "[I'm] happy to [be] back [in] my home race after 12 years in Europe. I would like [to] provide exciting driving and amazing show on track! All races will take place in Japan so please come to Japan and let's have a real race with me!"

Kobayashi follows in the footsteps of several drivers who have found a home in Japan's senior single-seater series after failed F1 bids, and should rival the likes of former Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima who returned to his native soil a few seasons ago. Ironically, Kobayashi's campaign should also bring him face-to-face with Andre Lotterer, who replaced him at Caterham for the Belgian Grand Prix, as well as other European 'invaders'.