Posted on 1st October 2014
Suzuka is one of the most popular circuits on the Formula One calendar with many pundits and fans, thanks to a thrilling track layout and some of the most passionate fans on earth.
This year, Pirelli will take the two hardest compounds in the range: the P Zero Orange hard and P Zero White medium. These are well-suited to the challenging demands of this famous track, which is located in the middle of Japan near Nagoya.
Suzuka is best known for fast corners such as 130R and Spoon, which have a notable effect on tyre wear and degradation. Consequently, between two and three pit stops are expected.
The other feature of Japan is its extremely variable weather, with heavy rainfall that is usually a common feature of the weekend. In 2010, qualifying even had to be postponed until Sunday morning because of a rainstorm. Last year's race, however, took place in hot conditions with temperatures that exceeded 30 degrees centigrade. This just goes to illustrate the unpredictable variety of the Japanese Grand Prix.
But Suzuka is a track that is also easy on brakes but it is imperative that the teams and the drivers achieve the best set up that they possibly can in order to be quick and competitive around here. As this circuit will expose and highlight any weakness in their cars and also will punish mistakes that any driver makes while trying to make up for that fact.
Facts and Figures
• 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
Winners from last 5 Japanese Grand Prix:
2009- Sebastian Vettel
2010-Sebastian Vettel
2011-Jenson Button
2012-Sebastian Vettel
2013- Sebastian Vettel
My top 5 things to look out for this weekend:-
1. Max Verstappen's debut in FP1- With the news on Monday morning that Verstappen passed his medical in preparation for his run in FP1 on Friday, all eyes will be upon the young sixteen year old as he gains experience before joining Formula One full time with Toro Rosso in 2015. How well will Verstappen do on his F1 debut? If it's anything like he has done in F3 this year, we could be seeing something rather special indeed.
2. Weather- As I have already mentioned, the weather can be pretty spectacular in Suzuka especially if the rain threatens the circuit over the course of the weekend. Will we see a repeat of the heavy rain from 2010 this weekend?
3. Engines- With many drivers on the verge of taking grid place penalties for using six components on their cars (Sebastian Vettel for example edging ever closer to receiving an penalty), will we see another driver join Daniil Kvyat and have to take a penalty into the race on Sunday?
4. Sebastian Vettel- With Vettel being the most successful current driver at this Grand Prix, will we see Vettel build on his current form in the last few races and add to his tally of Suzuka wins this weekend? I will certainly be keeping an eye on him as the Red Bull does tend to go well around here indeed.
5. Hamilton V Rosberg- With Hamilton winning at Monza and Singapore after Rosberg made a mistake heading into the first corner while being in the lead and Rosberg retiring in Singapore due to a 'foreign substance' affecting his steering wheel, all eyes once again will be upon the pair as they battle for the championship. With both drivers will be keen to add a victory at Suzuka to their careers and also to help their fight to clinch the title for themselves. But will we see reliability issues affecting either driver and denying us yet another chance to see a battle on the track with the Mercedes drivers?
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 5.45am [Replays throughout Thursday and Friday]
Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 2.45am and 5.00am [Replays throughout Saturday
Sunday (Race) 5.30am
BBC–
Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 1.50am and 5.55am
Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 2.55am and 5.00am
Sunday (Race and Race Highlights) 6.00am and 7.00pm
