Kobayashi could combine WEC and Formula E in future

Two of Kobayashi's 2016 teammates - Sebastien Buemi and Stephane Sarrazin - combine racing for Toyota in WEC with a programme in Formula E.

It's a path the ex-Sauber and Caterham F1 driver has expressed an interest in emulating, owing to the increasing level of competition in the all-electric championship, which is set to have a Japanese round added to the schedule at some point down the line.

"I think [Formula E] looks good," Kobayashi told Motorsport.com. "Many manufacturers are going in and the championship is very competitive. It has good drivers, so If I had a good opportunity, I would go there."

Asked if he could potentially combine WEC and Formula E, he added: "Yeah, because [many drivers] do that. Why not?"

"[Long-term] I’m quite open, but my number one target next year is to win the championship and also win the Le Mans 24 Hours. That’s what I’m focussed on right now."

Debut season results a "surprise"

In his first season of LMP1 competition, Kobayashi and his teammates in the #6 Toyota, Sarrazin and Mike Conway, sealed the Japanese marque's first WEC win since 2014 in the 6 Hours of Fuji.

Having stayed in outside title contention until the final round of the season in Bahrain, the 30-year-old admitted he wasn't expecting to be so strong in his first year.

"I think [it was] pretty good," Kobayashi said of his maiden LMP1 campaign. "It’s my first year this season, and it’s been a really good time. I think what we achieved is pretty good, I’m a bit surprised."

Amid strong suggestions Toyota is poised to run three cars at Le Mans next year after its 2016 heartbreak, Kobayashi also warned his employers to ensure it has the finances in place to ensure a smooth expansion.

"Maybe if we have 100 cars [at Le Mans], it’s a good thing!" quipped Kobayashi. "But it depends on the budget.

"If you have more cars but no increase in budget, you will have more problems with the car. But if we have more budget, why not?"

Interview by Khodr Rawi