Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Preview

Our F1 expert analyst Tom Wilkinson previews this weekend's action.

Formula 1 is back in action this weekend, it's the Japanese Grand Prix and it's sure to be another thrilling race. This is one of my top three races in the Formula 1 season, the Japanese are such dedicated and passionate fans in the world and it's great to see the grandstands packed out on all three days.

After all the drama and excitement in Korea just a few days ago, Suzuka is set to host another enthralling race. This is my Japanese Grand Prix Preview.

Suzuka Circuit
The Facts:
Lap: 5.807 km
Race Laps: 53
Lap Record: 1:31.540
K Raikkonen (2005)
2012 Winner: Sebastian Vettel
Race Date: 13.10.2013
Safety Car – Possible
Weather – Hot & Sunny
Tyre Allocation – Medium & Hard
DRS Zones: Pit-straight and between turns 14 – 15

2013 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Preview

There is one big question for this race, can Sebastian Vettel win the 2013 title this weekend? The answer is, yes. However I suspect he will be very lucky if he does. To take the title this weekend would mean his nearest rival Fernando Alonso finishing ninth or lower. Of course that is possible, but Alonso will be driving his heart out to remain in the title hunt.

There were some outstanding performances last weekend in Korea, Nico Hulkenberg was the driver of the race for many. Japan is arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it has a wonderful culture and tremendous food as Hulkenberg explains. “I really enjoy going to Suzuka, as it is always a cool weekend and special as both a Grand Prix and a circuit. It just puts a big smile on everyone’s face. From the moment you get there the welcome is always really enthusiastic. The fans are polite and very cute. I especially love the way they wave with both hands, and I shall certainly try to learn this double wave as it looks great. Away from the track I also enjoy the food, especially the teppanyaki and sushi.” The Japanese people welcome Formula 1 every year with the same excitement and passion. They are sometimes described as crazy fans, but when the grandstands are all full from Friday morning through to darkness on Sunday evening, it's only good for the sport.

Mercedes team principle Ross Brawn says he always enjoys returning to Japan. “The Japanese Grand Prix is always one of the highlights of the Formula One season. First of all are the fans: the Japanese public have a great passion for Formula One as well as a deep understanding for the sport, and it is always a pleasure to see them again when we visit Suzuka.”

The Japanese Grand Prix has seen many historic moments in the sport, McLaren team principle Martin Whitmarsh reflects. “For everybody at McLaren, Suzuka is a place of many fantastic memories – I remember seeing Ayrton win his penultimate grand prix here, Mika's two world titles were sealed in Japan, Kimi drove one of his very finest races here, and we all fondly remember Jenson's beautifully measured victory back in 2011. This is a racetrack that ranks with the very greatest in the world, and while we are realistic enough to know that we will not add to the tally of successes this weekend, just being in Suzuka, the spiritual home of Japanese motorsport, will help inspire us to greater heights and many further victories in the future.” One of my favourite moments in recent years was Fernando Alonso's move on the outside of Micheal Schumacher at 130R in 2005. It was one of the most sensational overtaking moves I can remember.

The Lap
They don't make circuits like this anymore, It's a classic track and very unique in Formula 1 as it crosses over itself. Suzuka has just about every challenge possible, it's a very high speed circuit but highly technical. The first sector has a very twisty section through the S Curves demanding good balance and mechanical grip. The second sector opens up and is higher speed with the two Degner curves. These are two very challenging right hand corners where we've seen many incidents over the years. There is also a hairpin to negotiate, it's a very demanding and exciting track to drive. The final sector is very high speed, as the drivers head into the ever tightening Spoon Curve. It's a tricky double left hander where it's easy to get it wrong. Then after the long back straight, the sensational 130R corner, a flat out left hander. It's breathtaking watching the cars through that corner, before a big stop into chicane before heading back onto the start finish straight. The Suzuka circuit is a favourite among all the drivers and the fans too. It is a tremendous place for Formula 1.

Jenson Button has always enjoyed the circuit, “Suzuka feels a bit like a second home circuit to me. My win there back in 2011 remains one of my most emotional victories. The thing I really like about Suzuka is that it's such an unforgiving track. On most circuits, if you run wide or out-brake yourself, you invariably end up just running onto the Tarmac run-off, so you can easily get back onto the track without any penalty. At Suzuka, if you run wide through the Esses, or go off the track at the exit of the Degners, you're going to find yourself in the gravel, and I like that – I think it rewards those who don't make mistakes, and it makes for better racing, because you have to stay honest and focused.”

It is a very demanding track for the drivers, and also the tyres as Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery explains. “Suzuka is one of the circuits where we experience the highest rates of wear and degradation all year: because of the relatively abrasive surface and most of all because of the high-energy loadings that are going through the tyres. That's why we've nominated the two hardest compounds in our range to take to Suzuka this year. It's not all about the fast corners though as there are also some heavy braking areas and tighter corners. So it's a high-demand circuit when it comes to lateral energy but relatively low-demand in terms of traction, because the layout is very flowing with one corner sequencing into another”.

Pre-Race Pointers
Sauber will be hopeful of keeping their current run of good performances, both Hulkenberg and Gutierrez enjoyed a good race in Korea. The German says he's “Optimistic” about his chances this weekend. Meanwhile teammate Gutierrez says the crowd's passion and the atmosphere “motivates” him. After Korea, they are a team to watch out for. They could certainly prove to be a challenge for the likes of McLaren and Lotus.
McLaren do need to improve and they know it despite good race pace, Japan has been a good place for them in the past and the seem positive. Jenson Button told F1.com “We're not quite there with our car, but Korea showed that we can race well and, even despite misfortune, can score points. I think the whole team is keyed up for another positive weekend.” Martin Whitmarsh added, “our aim will be for a clean and trouble-free afternoon's racing in order to see if we can improve upon our results from last weekend.”
Lotus will be pushing to continue their run of form from Korea after scoring a double podium. Team boss Eric Boullier said “To be honest, a double podium tastes like a race win this late in the season.” The race pace has been impressive from Lotus, I expect them to do well in Suzuka this weekend. Kimi Raikkonen has always driven well here, while teammate Romain Grosjean collided with Mark Webber last year on the first lap. He will be hoping to carry on from last weekend's brilliant drive.

F1 Live on Driving For Pleasure
As ever you can follow the Japanese Grand Prix weekend live here at Driving For Pleasure with our extensive coverage. Stay up to date via all my F1 reports throughout the weekend and follow me on Twitter @TomWilkinsonF1 for all the very latest news from the paddock.

As always, thanks to Kevin Bennett for his excellent photos