Kamui Kobayashi says he feels ready to make his grand prix debut at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, although the Japanese admits it will not be an easy task.
Kobayashi will be racing for the Toyota team at Interlagos after it was discovered Timo Glock had a crack vertebrae following his crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the German was unable to race.
The Japanese driver already replaced Glock in practice at Suzuka, which means he has some experience with this year's car.
"This is an incredible opportunity for me to make my Grand Prix debut but of course it is a pity for Timo as I know how much he was looking forward to getting back to racing," said Kobayashi in a team preview.
"Fortunately for me I had some time in the car on Friday in Suzuka and, even though that was in the wet, it will be very helpful for me this weekend. I have never driven at Interlagos before but I know the layout from computer games and television so I don't think it will take too long to learn.
"It's going to be a tough weekend but I feel ready for the challenge and I know the team is supporting me 100%.
"A few days ago I wasn't even expecting to be racing this weekend so it's impossible to set any targets. I just want to do myself proud and complete the race without any problems; anything after that is a bonus."
Team-mate Jarno Trulli is also hopeful for the Interlagos race, where he is hoping to do well again after his second-place finish at Suzuka.
"Toyota has usually been quite strong at Interlagos and I've generally been very quick there too so I'm hopeful that will be the case again this year," he said. "It was fantastic to be on the podium in the last race, especially in front of all our Japanese supporters, and I hope to be fighting at the front again this weekend.
"Last year I was on the front row in Brazil and I believe this year's car will also be quite well suited to the track so I am optimistic. I am determined to end the season as we started it; on a high note."
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