Nakajima hopes for a podium finish next season

Kazuki Nakajima hopes to climb the steps of a podium in 2009 after a promising start with the Williams team.

The Japanese driver scored nine points in 2008 and finished in the top eight five times.

His performances earned him a new contract with the Grove team, and this news is pushing him to aim higher next year.

« I hope to achieve better results than this year and maybe make it to the podium. That would be really fantastic, » said the Japanese on his website.

He added: « As a race car driver, I’ve learned a lot of things but there’s always more to learn. »

The 23-year-old young man also admitted that he was satisfied with his season during which he finished sixth at best, his best result.

I think it’s a good first year even though it’s not perfect. It’s not easy to be competitive when the car doesn’t suit the track, but we developed it throughout the year. That’s what needs to be done and when this coincides with your first year in F1, you have to get used to it.

« I think my best race was probably in Singapore. It was a great event, the atmosphere was amazing, and the team achieved a podium with Nico Rosberg. As for me, I scored a point after a tough race. My worst race was probably in Bahrain where I got stuck at the start, » explained Nakajima.