Posted on 23rd September 2015
As we head to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, Pirelli have selected the two hardest tyres selected from their range for this weekend which are the P Zero Orange hard tyres and P Zero White medium tyres.
Pirelli have stated that they have chosen these two tyre compounds because Suzuka contains some of the fastest and most demanding corners in Formula One, such as the legendary 130R, which forms part of Formula One history. As a result of this, some extremely high-energy loads pass through the tyre; which therefore leads up to heat build-up on the tread. This requires the most durable compounds in the range to maintain consistent grip.
As we know Suzuka's notoriously variable weather could appear during the course of the weekend and Pirelli have also announced that the Cinturato full wet and intermediate tyres are available for the teams and the drivers to use; although this year the Japanese Grand Prix takes place a week earlier.
But the Suzuka circuit is a fast and flowing circuit: to the extent that it has very high lateral energy loads (through the fast corners) but one of the lowest longitudinal demands of the year; underlining the fact that there is relatively little acceleration and braking.
All of the drivers maintain a high speed throughout the lap, with the very long corners such as 130R (named after its radius) and Spoon putting sustained loads through the tyres. 130R is taken flat-out in top gear at speeds in excess of 300kph, generating the highest continuous g loading of the year.
While Suzuka has been re-asphalted recently, the surface remains quite abrasive. There is a relatively high degree of track evolution over the weekend: during Friday in particular the circuit is usually quite 'green', leading to a risk of graining if the track does not provide optimal grip.
Suzuka is traditionally high when it comes to wear and degradation, making tyre management even more important than usual. With the risk of rain and safety cars, plus several overtaking opportunities, this is one of the circuits where strategy options are extremely open, depending on circumstances.
This then just reaffirms the belief that the teams and the drivers have got to be basically ready for anything, at a venue that has frequently crowned champions in the past.
The drivers absolutely love the experience of driving here, and over the course of the weekend we are always privileged to meet some of the most passionate and dedicated fans we see anywhere all year and we do see over the course of the weekend some really amazing and wacky outfits that the fans wear to support their teams and the drivers.
Over the course of the weekend, Jules Bianchi will be in our thoughts more than ever over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend; a year after his tragic accident.
Everyone at Driving for Pleasure's thoughts are with Jules, his family, his friends and the Manor F1 team this weekend. We miss him greatly and he will never ever be forgotten from the sport that he loyally served and loved with all his heart.
And here's the facts and figures heading into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
•Suzuka has hosted the Grand Prix since 1987.
•Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the track with six wins.
•Sebastian Vettel is the most successful driver currently at the track with three wins.
•McLaren is the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with nine wins.
•Race distance: 307.47km (191.05 miles)
•Number of turns: 18
•Top speed: 310kph
•Lap record: Kimi Raikkonen- McLaren (2005)- 1.31.540
Last five winners of the Japanese Grand Prix:-
•2010-Sebastian Vettel
•2011-Jenson Button
•2012-Sebastian Vettel
•2013- Sebastian Vettel
•2014- Lewis Hamilton
My five things to look out for this weekend
1.Tyre and brake performance- With the track being hard on tyres and also on the performance of the brakes due to the characteristics of the Suzuka circuit; we could see teams and drivers struggling to get the Pirelli compounds lasting throughout the course of the weekend and also maintain high levels of concentration in the race. Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?
2.Renault announcing their future plans in F1- With rumours speculating that Renault are in final negotiations with the Lotus F1 team to buy the team outright; will we hear the news that everyone is expecting this weekend or not?
3. Jenson Button announcing his retirement- With speculating rife about Button's hints in the media about finding “no joy†with his current situation with McLaren-Honda and maybe announcing his intentions to retire at his second home Grand Prix this weekend, will we see Button announcing (for me personally) the sad news that he is leaving F1?
4.Performance of the Mercedes drivers- With Mercedes having dominated in Australia, having a “damage limitation†weekends in Malaysia and Hungary and winning in China, Bahrain, Spain, Monaco, Canada, Austria, Silverstone Spa and Monza; Mercedes are clearly still the favourites to retain both of their championships this season and winning at Monza this weekend. But the real question is; will anyone be able to pose a challenge over the course of the weekend once again and be able to take the lead of the Driver's Championship away from Hamilton?
5. Remembering Jules Bianchi- A year on since his tragic accident in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix; everyone's thoughts will be on what happened a year ago and remembering a talented young driver who was taken in July. It is of course going to be tough for his friends and family, the Manor F1 team and also the F1 community this weekend, but let's hope Manor and also the sport give him a great race that he can watch in the sky and be proud of. #RIPJules #GBNF
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and the BBC also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
•*Sky Sports F1*:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 1.45am and 5.45pm [Replays throughout Thursday and Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 3.45am and 6.00pm [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 4.30am
•*BBC*- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 1.55am and 5.55am, Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 3.55am and 6.00am, Sunday (Race and Race Highlights) 6.00am and 1.15pm.
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
Thanks as always to Graham and Leigh for their circuit representation.
