Joined Yamaha in 1976 and started work in the automobile engine division there. In 1981, he moved into R & D work, before going back to studying and gaining a masters degree in the United States. He then returned to Yamaha as a development engineer and worked for the firm in Japanese Formula 2 and it went very well, but when it came to entering F1, with Zakspeed, it was an unmitigated disaster. Kimura was only partially involved in 1989, but in 1991 was project leader when a more successful year with Brabham occurred. At the end of 1992, Yamaha merged with John Judd's engine firm for future F1 projects and so Kimura moved on into other roles, and two decades on, is still there - and is currently executive vice president of the firm as well as the head of Marine Business Operations until 2018, when he became President and director of the company.

Biography last updated 11 May 2022