Kamui also asked Suzuka fans for support after Sunday 's podium finish . `` I hope that with this kind of result there is fresh impetus for companies to come in . His third - place finish at Suzuka only the third by a Japanese driver in F1 history . The driver believes he can now regard himself ' as a Formula One driver ' after Sunday 's feat . The chief hopes Kobayashi feat can inspire a lot of Japanese interest in the sport .
Kamui also asked Suzuka fans for support after Sunday 's podium finish . His third - place finish at Suzuka only the third by a Japanese driver in F1 history . The driver believes he can now regard himself ' as a Formula One driver ' after Sunday 's feat . The chief hopes Kobayashi feat can inspire a lot of Japanese interest in the sport .