Formula E rookie Kobayashi facing big challenge in Hong Kong

Former F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi admits a crucial lack of preparation has left him with an uphill battle on the eve of his Formula E debut.

The Japanese driver - who raced in F1 from 2009 to 20147 before joining Toyota in the WEC - is among three rookies racing in Formula E's double-header in Hong Kong this weekend, with André Lotterer and Luca Filippi completing the list of first-timers.

However, Kobayashi's only experience of Formula E has been limited so far to a few runs up and down Donington Park's paddock, as his deal with MS&AD Andretti was only concluded after the series' official test days had taken place in Valencia last October.

• As one season ends, another begins...       

"The preparation for myself was not brilliant. I just tried to do as much as I could do without having the proper tests," Kobayashi said.

"I did the filming day, so it’s not on a track or a long run. I had one day in the simulator which makes me more confident with the car.

"Of course I think when I saw the simulator, I thought I knew what I need to do in the car, but it’s a different track. So let’s see tomorrow.

"I don’t really set targets, but I think I need to maximise doing what I can do in a short time."

Kobayashi, who raced in F1 for Toyota, Sauber and Caterham, is scheduled for a one-off outing with Andretti for now, as Tom Blomqvist, the team's initial choice, is expecting to take over from Marrakesh.

"For now it’s only this race," Kobayashi said.

"I think for the next race, I don’t know where it is, I think Tom will do the driving."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter