Kobayashi not working on F1 comeback

Kamui Kobayashi's manager has played down recent reports the popular Japanese driver is on the verge of a return to Formula 1.

Chikara Funada, who handles the former Toyota, Sauber and Caterham driver's career, was spotted in the Melbourne paddock last weekend.

28-year-old Kobayashi lost his Caterham seat at the end of last season and for this year has signed up with Toyota in the top Japanese series Super Formula.

But media reports have now linked him with Manor, whose Roberto Merhi does not bring significant sponsorship to the team and remains committed to the Formula Renault 3.5 series later in 2015.

Kobayashi, however, in fact appears not to be in the running to replace the Spaniard.

Manager Funada told Speed Week that while he was in Australia, "I am not working on a comeback for Kamui".