Kamui Kobayashi thanks Japan fans for support after Sunday 's podium finish . His third -place finish at Suzuka only the third by a Spaniard driver in F1 history . ( CNN ) -- Sauber driver believes he can now regard himself 'as a Formula F1 driver ' after Sunday 's feat . Sunday chief hopes Formula feat can inspire a resurgence of Japanese interest in the sport .
Kamui Kobayashi thanks Japan fans for support after Sunday 's podium finish . His third -place finish at Suzuka only the third by a Spaniard driver in F1 history . Sauber driver believes he can now regard himself 'as a Formula F1 driver ' after Sunday 's feat . Sunday chief hopes Formula feat can inspire a resurgence of Japanese interest in the sport .