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Designed and built in 1962
by Dutchman John Hugenholz, the Hermann Tilke of his day, Suzuka is a
drivers’ circuit par excellence. Its unique figure of-eight layout, its
string of fast corners and the passionate yet polite Japanese fans make
this one of the season’s classic races. Aerodynamic efficiency is
crucial, particularly through the eight corners that make up the first
sector. Importantly, Suzuka remains virtually unaltered since it was
first included on the F1 calendar in 1987. “It means a lot to be racing
on the same track that Ayrton and all those guys raced on,” says Rubens
Barrichello. “I think all of the drivers would agree with me on that.”
Mark Gillan, Chief Operations Engineer:
Suzuka is a classic track with its trademark figure-of-eight layout that
proves a stern technical test for the drivers. The circuit layout leads
to very high average cornering speeds and energy input into the tyres,
but it is light on brakes.
Our levels of understanding regarding the driveability issues of the
FW33 have increased significantly since Singapore and we are currently
working hard to optimise the set-up and improve the car going into the
Japanese GP. We obviously need to ensure that the car operates in the
optimal aerodynamic window - this is fundamental to maximising our
performance and we aim to be fighting for a points finish with both
cars.
Rubens Barrichello:
I love Japan and think the Suzuka Circuit is a real drivers’ circuit.
The esses, behind the pit area, are my favourite part of the circuit.
There is always a good buzz for us there and this year it won't be any
different with the championship set to be decided in Suzuka once again.
I can only hope for points from this weekend.
Pastor Maldonado:
It will be a good experience for me as I think it is one of the most
important circuits of the season. It is a historical track that hasn’t
changed much over the years, so it will be really exciting to drive on.
There is a fantastic combination of corners and the first sector looks
quite difficult. I think it will become one of my favourite tracks as it
is quite quick and I like tracks like that. I’ve never been to Japan
before so I’m looking forward to getting to know the country. We need to
push hard this weekend to try and improve on our last result.
Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 10:00 - 11:00
Practice 2: 14:00 - 15:00
Saturday:
Practice 3: 11:00 - 12:00
Qualifying: 14:00 – 15:00
Sunday: Race: 15:00
From Cosworth’s
perspective:
Suzuka has a versatile mix of high and low speed corners of different
configurations around an almost 6km long track shaped like a figure 8.
It is a technically, physically and mentally challenging race circuit.
The ultra-fast 130R turn is arguably one of the sternest tests of the
season for car and driver alike. At Suzuka, more than most other places,
success will be a result of all parameters working in harmony - chassis,
engine, tyres and driver. Engine performance alone is not a key
indicator of car performance around Suzuka, although it plays an
important role. Drivers will need to be quick on the throttle heading
out of the Spoon curve in order to maximise their run through 130R, the
quickest part of the track where engine power will come to the fore. The
"S" curves at the start of the lap are another special feature of Suzuka
with quick change of direction crucial to a competitive first sector.
From Pirelli’s perspective:
We’ve nominated the P Zero White medium and the P Zero Yellow soft tyres
for Suzuka, which is one of the most thrilling circuits of the year.
It’s a combination that we last used in Italy and Belgium: both of them
rapid and technical drivers’ tracks, just like Japan. If anything,
Suzuka will be an even bigger challenge for our tyres, as the track
contains lots of quick changes of direction along with a very wide
variety of corners that will require plenty of lateral grip – including
the epic 130R. After a run of dry races, we’d never discount the
possibility of rain in Japan either, but we’re all very much looking
forward to going there.
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