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KAMUI Kobayashi clinched Sunday's GP2 Asia Series race by the narrowest of margins beating Bahrain resident Sebastien Buemi.
But France's Romain Grosjean clinched the Series title with one round still to go despite retiring from the race.
Kobayashi, who is also a test driver for Formula One team Toyota, clinched the 23-lap sprint in 40 minutes 59.270 seconds, just 0.861 seconds ahead of Buemi, also a test driver with Red Bull F1.
"I scored 12 points this weekend and two podiums," Kobayashi said. "It's a great result for everyone! I'm back in the game for the second place of the championship: we are competitive and I'm more motivated than ever."
Grosjean was forced to retire after 17 laps with braking problems, but he maintained a 20-point lead atop the drivers' standings to secure the season title.
Grosjean secured the championship for his team ART Grand Prix, which is partly owned by Bahrain Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Finishing in third place on Sunday, 6.526 seconds back, was Russian Vitaly Petrov, while Hiroki Yoshimoto of Qi-Meritus.Mahara, the only Arab team in the race, was fourth, 9.127 seconds from first place.
On the grid Yoshimoto was 12th while teammate Luca Filippi had to start from 25th after problems in the first race. The second day ended up bringing three points and a fourth place for Yoshimoto and a strong 11th place finish after a spirited drive from Filippi, who had started 25th.
"We had a great weekend here in Bahrain," said Buemi, who was also second in the round's first race on Saturday.
Herald Schleghelmilch and Davide Valsecchi rounded up the top six. Petrov is second on the standings with 28 points and Buemi third with 24.
The season's final round will be held at the Dubai Autodrome later this month.
Results (top eight): 1 K Kobayashi 40:59.270; 2 S Buemi 41:00.131; 3 V Petrov 41:05.796; 4 H Yoshimoto 41:08.397; 5 H Schleghelmilch 41:15.071; 6 D Valsecchi 41:16.286; 7 H Tung 41:20.058; 8 Y Buurman 41:20.813.
