STEFAN GP LOSES BID FOR USF1'S GRID SLOT

+ Click to Enlarge UNDER THE RADAR: Kazuki Nakajima says he'll keep on working behind the scenes in hope of getting another Formula 1 drive. Image: AFP

March 10, 2010
By Alastair Himmer

Kazuki Nakajima has vowed to find a way back into Formula 1 after his final hope of securing a drive in the 2010 season was dashed.

Serbian-backed Stefan GP has been refused entry by the sport's governing IAF as a late replacement after USF1 failed to make the grid, leaving the former Williams driver out in the cold.

Nakajima said: "With Stefan GP not gaining approval my plans are unclear but I will continue to work to find a way back into F1."

Nakajima's failure to secure a seat in 2010 leaves Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi as the only driver from Japan on this year's F1 grid.

Honda's former poster boy Takuma Sato switched to IndyCar racing in February after being snubbed by Toro Rosso, Renault and the new Malaysian-backed Lotus team.

Nakajima remained positive despite the setback.

He said: "That's the nature of the sport. I will keep looking forward and spend some time below the surface keeping busy and concentrating on how to secure a quick return." - Reuters