Nakajima has big ambitions for 2008

Kazuki Nakajima aims to be the number 1 Japanese driver in F1 and thus surpass Takuma Sato, after being confirmed with Williams for next year.

However, at 22, Toyota’s protégé, the son of former racer Satoru Nakajima, now belongs to a team that finished fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2007.

« It would be great for me to be the first Japanese driver, but I need to work hard for this, and the path to success is still long, even though I am in a good team, » he stated in an interview with Reuters.

« But that’s my goal, and that’s what I want to achieve for next year. »

Nakajima will be the partner of the 22-year-old German Nico Rosberg, and he acknowledged that it will be a challenge for him to match Rosberg. Indeed, because this driver is touted as a great hope for the sport.

« It’s really great to work with Nico, he will be a reference for me, » said Nakajima.

« I have a lot to learn from him and it would also be good if I could be a support for him because we could learn a lot from each other. »

The two drivers already have something in common as they are both sons of former F1 racers. This is unique to the Williams team.

Nakajima Sr. made his debut in 1987, one year after the 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg decided to retire.

« He is from another era, from another point of view, there are similar conditions between the two eras. I think he will give me some advice, but not too much, » he continued.

The new Williams driver said he wanted to do better than his father, whose best race was a fourth place in a GP over five seasons in F1. This represents another ambition for Nakajima’s son.

« I really hope that I can achieve this goal. It might be difficult during the first year, but I am optimistic about the years that will follow, » he stated.

Nakajima, who made his racing debut at the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix after the Austrian Alexander Wurz announced his retirement, said he is ready to redouble his efforts.

« I believe I am ready for F1. I showed some good signs in Brazil. »

« This is going to be a very big challenge because we don’t have traction control, all systems will be changed, but I think it’s an opportunity for our team and for me. »

« I participated in the GP2 races this year, and it will certainly not be a disadvantage for me not to have traction control. Hopefully, this will be an advantage for me, so I am really motivated for the next season, » said Nakajima.

« It is difficult to set goals; the results will speak for themselves. »

« It’s going to be my first year and I just want to do my best in this first season and learn everything I need to learn. I want to show steady progress throughout the season and I believe the results will follow automatically, » he announced.

Nakajima said that his contract had been agreed upon between Williams and Toyota, and he had no idea about its duration beyond the 2008 season.

« It’s a bit complicated, but for me personally, it doesn’t matter, » concluded Nakajima.