Kamui Kobayashi hopes he has now done enough to earn a 2010 race seat with Toyota after his battling drive to sixth place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Japanese newcomer scored three points in only his second Formula 1 start deputising for the injured Timo Glock – and also overtook world champion Jenson Button in a fierce mid-race tussle over third place.
"It's the last race and at the moment there is nothing for me for next year, so I had to show my performance," said Kobayashi.
"I told [team boss] Mr [Tadashi] Yamashina my target was to score a point, and I did it.
"It was a really fantastic race and I didn't expect to finish sixth.
"I thought maybe I could finish eighth and score one point, maybe two points, but sixth is quite a good position.
"My pace was definitely good."
Yamashina confirmed that Toyota had been hugely impressed by Kobayashi.
"Kamui did a fantastic job and we are very proud of him," he said.
The Japanese driver played down the move on Button, which happened when the Brawn driver rejoined after his first of two pit stops.
Kobayashi was only stopping once, so was lighter at that stage and immediately attacked the world champion, forcing him to defend so hard that he ran wide at turn eight and let the Toyota through.
But Kobayashi modestly insisted that the move had more to do with Button's tyres being cold than any bravery on his part.
"He was on cold tyres, so it was difficult for him to compete," he said.
"I had to overtake at that moment so I could improve my pace later."
Kobayashi's Abu Dhabi performance has underlined his claim to a 2010 race deal – a prospect the GP2 graduate is naturally excited about.
"Two months ago I had no chance to drive in Formula 1, but Toyota gave me a chance and now I have a really good opportunity for next year, so I want to thank Toyota," he said.
"It's not yet confirmed [for 2010], but of course Toyota is my priority because I'm a junior driver for Toyota and this is like my home so I'm definitely awaiting an answer from Toyota.
"Formula 1 is a fantastic place, we go everywhere in the world and I can get a lot of experience in a lot of things, not only racing."