7:42 – Suzuka is the destination as Formula 1 moves directly from Malaysia to Japan in another intense back-to-back sequence. GPUpdate.net previews this weekend’s event and provides the key statistics.
Suzuka:
Suzuka, opened in 1962 as a test track for Honda’s road cars and motorcycles, is one of few ‘figure of eight’ circuits in the world, and is a firm favourite amongst drivers for its fast, flowing layout.
It has been modified multiple times over the years, mainly to improve safety standards, but still contains famous sections and turns such as the ‘S’ Curves, the Degner Curves, Spoon Curve and 130R.
Honda, McLaren’s outgoing engine partner, still owns the circuit.
“I have always loved Suzuka circuit, it’s tough for a driver and a proper racer’s track,” says Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.
“The whole first sector is great fun and there is so much time to be gained there with the right set-up.
“Saying that, I think the last chicane is the most difficult corner on the track because you have to brake from such high speeds and really attack the car on the kerbs.
“I can’t talk about Japan without mentioning the fans, we always get awesome gifts and you can see them in the grandstands dressed up in fully branded race suits and helmets, which is pretty special to see.”
Form guide:
Lewis Hamilton has taken 93 of the 100 available points since the Formula 1 summer break to open a 34-point advantage over Sebastian Vettel, despite Mercedes being off the pace in Singapore and Malaysia.
Ferrari displayed strong potential in Malaysia but reliability issues compromised its prospects, facilitating Red Bull’s charge to a second win of the campaign, courtesy of Max Verstappen.
Despite a subdued showing, Mercedes still extended its lead in the Constructors’ Championship over Ferrari to 118 points.
In turn, Red Bull is a solid third in the standings, 115 points adrift of Ferrari, while Force India is safe in fourth place, with over double the points amassed by primary rival Williams.
Williams edged clear in the battle for fifth courtesy of a double points finish in Malaysia while it was as you were between Toro Rosso, Renault and Haas in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.
McLaren closed in on Haas as a result of Stoffel Vandoorne’s second-straight seventh-place finish, while Sauber is still marooned at the back of the pack.
Current grid at the Japanese GP:
Vettel is the most successful active driver in Japan, claiming four victories at Suzuka with Red Bull, while he also secured a second world title there in 2011, by finishing third.
Lewis Hamilton (three) and Fernando Alonso (two) are the other repeat winners of the event, though both took one of their victories at the Fuji Speedway, rather than Suzuka.
Repeat Japanese GP winners:
6 Michael Schumacher – 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004
4 Sebastian Vettel – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
3 Lewis Hamilton – 2007, 2014, 2015
2 Gerhard Berger – 1987, 1991
Ayrton Senna – 1988, 1993
Damon Hill – 1994, 1996
Mika Häkkinen – 1998, 1999
Fernando Alonso – 2006, 2008
Factfile:
Venue: Suzuka Circuit
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 18
Laps: 53
Race date: October 8, 2017
Circuit opened: 1962
First Grand Prix: 1987
Lap record: 1:31.540 (Kimi Räikkönen, 2005)
Circuit length: 5.807 km (3.608 mi)
Race distance: 307.471 km (191.053 mi)
2017 timetable (GMT +9):
Friday 6 October
Practice 1 10:00-11:30 local time
Practice 2 14:00-15:30 local time
Saturday 7 October
Practice 3 12:00-13:00 local time
Qualifying 15:00 local time
Sunday 8 October
Race 14:00 local time
Additional on-track events:
Super FJ (Japan Scholarship)
Porsche Carrera Cup Japan
Driver steward: Tom Kristensen
DRS zone: Main straight
Pitlane speed limit:
80 km/h (49.7 mph) for the entire event
Tyre Choice: Super Soft / Soft / Medium
Fuel usage: 1.98kg per lap
Top speed: 330 km/h (205 mph)
Full throttle: 66 per cent of lap
Gear changes: 58 per lap
Weather forecast:
Friday – Heavy rain, high 20°C / low 13°C
Saturday – Cloudy, high 22°C / low 15°C
Sunday – Sunny, high 26°C / low 16°C
Next race:
United States Grand Prix
Source :http://feeds.gpupdate.net
Comments
