Japan: Michelin Targets Suzuka Breakthrough

By Michelin Sport
October 8 2005

Fernando Alonso (Renault/Michelin) might have put the Formula One crown beyond his rivals' reach with a controlled drive to third place in Brazil last month, but one fierce title battle has still to be resolved as teams prepare for the final races of the campaign in Japan and China.

Michelin partners McLaren Mercedes and RenaultF1 are separated by just two points in the world championship for constructors. Team McLaren Mercedes could wrap it up at Suzuka this weekend - but even with a one-two finish it would have to rely on RenaultF1 failing to place either of its cars in the top six.

Lying about 30 miles south-west of Nagoya - Japan's third city - Suzuka is owned by Honda and forms part of an entertainment complex that includes a large funfair. Originally opened in 1962, it is a fast, challenging track that ranks as one of the drivers' traditional favourites.

Suzuka's figure-of-eight configuration is unique within the world championship - and the Japanese GP is also unusual in F1 terms because Michelin has yet to win it. Although the race featured on the calendar in 1977, when Michelin made its F1 debut, its lone partner Renault did not take part (it was not compulsory to attend every race in those days). The race was subsequently dropped from the schedule until 1987, by which time Michelin had taken an F1 sabbatical. Consequently, the company did not compete in Japan's annual showpiece until 2001.

Since then it has challenged for victory - notably in 2003, when Juan Pablo Montoya (BMW WilliamsF1 Team) led comfortably prior to a hydraulic problem - but has yet to break its duck. Having absolutely dominated the season so far, however, with 16 wins from 17 races, Michelin's prospects for Sunday are encouraging.

In last season's corresponding fixture, Ralf Schumacher (BMW WilliamsF1 Team) and Jenson Button (B·A·R-Honda) were Michelin's leading finishers, in second and third places.

This will be the 21st Japanese GP, the 19th at Suzuka and the nation's 23rd F1 world championship event in all. The race has taken place twice at Fuji, which is pitching for a return to the calendar in the near future, while the country also hosted the Pacific GP, at Aida, in 1994 and 1995.