SUZUKA
The Suzuka International Racing Course was designed by John Hugenholtz and first used in 1962. It was originally designed as a test track for the Honda Motor Company. It has undergone numerous changes throughout the years, with the last major change being in 2003, and a general renovation in 2009. Suzuka has an unusual “figure 8” layout; this legendary track remains a firm favourite of many F1 drivers. Due to its usual placement towards the end of the F1 calendar, many F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships have been decided here throughout the years. Suzuka has a rich Formula 1 history – there have been many classic races here throughout the years.
Suzuka is located in the Mie Prefecture, to the west of Tokyo. Japan was devastated earlier in the year by a massive earthquake and resultant tsunami. When the question was put to the teams and drivers (earlier in the year) as to whether or not they felt it safe to race in Japan this year, and indeed wanted to, the answer was a unanimous “yes”. This was a great show of support from the Formula 1 community for Japan and its people. The Japanese fans love motorsport, and the large crowds that attend the Free Practice sessions, Qualifying and Race during the F1 race weekend bears testament to this fact. We have already seen how sport has the power to unite, transform and positively influence nations (1995 I. R. B. Rugby World Cup and 2010 F. I. F. A. Soccer World Cup held in South Africa).
TRACK STATS:
Length: 5.807 km’s
Turns: 18
Race Distance: 307.471 km’s (53 laps)
Current Lap Record: Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren-Mercedes) (2005) 1:31:540
2010 Winner: Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault)
RACE TIME
Qualifying: 07h00 (SA time – Saturday 8th October 2011)
Race: 08h00 (SA time – Sunday 9th October 2011)
WEATHER:
Saturday: 12/23
Sunday: 14/23
Conditions will be pleasant and dry; there is no rain on the extended forecast for the weekend. Wind on certain sections of the track can sometimes be a critical factor influencing car set-up, let’s hope it’s not too windy.
TECHNICAL
Suzuka is a technically demanding track. This track is hard on the tyres and brakes; a lot of lateral force is exerted on the tyres – leading to high levels of tyre degradation. Management of tyres, along with a good pit stop strategy will go a long way in securing a good result here.
This clockwise track has a bit of everything: high speed straights, fast corners and slow corners. There are a number of legendary corners: the “S” curves – which are almost like high speed chicanes (taken at +-185km/h), the “Degner” Curve (entry speed +-185km/h, exit speed +- 120km/h), the “Hairpin” (taken at +-60km/h), the “Spoon” Curve (entry speed +-180km, exit speed +-140km/h) and the “130R” corner – a real challenge and driver favourite (taken at +-310km/h). Linking these various corners are some fast straights where speeds will average between +-260km/h to +-310km/h. The cars will be carrying relatively high down-force settings (wing) to cope with the varying corners and also the extreme lateral forces exerted from quick changes of direction under high speed.
There is only one DRS (Drag Reduction System) zone for this race, located on the start/finish straight. At the end of this straight the cars will be doing +-260km/h, before braking hard for Turn 1, taken at a speed of +-140km/h. Good traction and exit speed leading out of the chicane back on to the start/finish straight will be vital to set up a passing move on the straight.
Pirelli has brought 2 tyre options for this race (provided we have a dry race). These are the “soft” compound (yellow writing on tyre sidewalls), and the “medium” or “option” compound (white writing). The “soft” compound offers better grip and is faster per lap than the “medium” compound; however, it does not last as long as the “medium” compound (faster degradation). This is where tyre management by the driver and pit strategy will play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of this race.
2011 – F1 CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER STANDINGS:
- Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 309
- Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 185
- Fernando Alonso Ferrari 184
- Mark Webber RBR-Renault 182
- Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 168
- Felipe Massa Ferrari 84
- Nico Rosberg Mercedes 62
- Michael Schumacher Mercedes 52
- Vitaly Petrov Renault 34
10. Nick Heidfeld Renault 34
2011 – F1 CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS:
- RBR-Renault 491
- McLaren-Mercedes 353
- Ferrari 268
- Mercedes 114
- Renault 70
- Force India-Mercedes 48
- Sauber-Ferrari 36
- STR-Ferrari 29
- Williams-Cosworth 5
10. Lotus-Renault 0
SUMMARY
The Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix was an awesome race – delivering a great mix of excitement and action. It was afforded a unique ambience by the fact that it was a night race on a street circuit. Suzuka is a different proposition altogether: a fast, technical circuit that has delivered many memorable races throughout the years.
Sebastian Vettel stands one small step away from being crowned a double World Champion. He needs a mere solitary point to secure the Drivers’ World Championship. Jenson Button is his closest rival, and theoretically the only other driver still capable of winning the Drivers’ World Championship. The race for 2nd place overall is heating up, with 4 drivers still in the hunt. Vettel had a big crash in the free practice session, and Button set the fastest time. We could be in for a very interesting race.
All that remains are 5 lights, and when the lights go out…
We are racing in Suzuka!
Written by Mark Batchelder, Road and Race’s F1 Connoisseur
