Suzuka is one of the most revered circuits in the world. Its fast corners and undulations are a genuine test of man and machine, which might explain why 18 of the last 19 grands prix at the track have been won by world champions. In short: this is a racetrack at which only the best drivers succeed. |
Facts & Stats: Suzuka |
The Circuit |
Built in 1962 as a test track for Honda, Suzuka’s sweeping
figure-of-eight layout has remained largely unchanged for more than 50 years.
The track hosted its first Formula 1 race in 1987, since when it has staged the
Japanese Grand Prix every year, except on two occasions (2007/’08). As with most of F1’s classic circuits, drivers and team members know the corners by name, rather than simply by number. The Esses, Degner, Spoon and 130R are some of the most famous corners in motor racing, and each will demand ultimate respect and commitment from the drivers this weekend. With an average speed of 225km/h (139mph), Suzuka is one of the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar. All three sectors around the lap contain fast corners and a period of full-throttle, and the track is also very narrow and bumpy. It punishes even the smallest of mistakes. |
The Race |
Engine power is important and aerodynamic efficiency is
vital, especially through the Esses in sector one. This sequence of five
high-speed corners tests the agility of a car and it’s through this section that
the drivers have to position their cars with pinpoint accuracy, or risk losing
large chunks of time. Another challenging feature of Suzuka’s 5.807km (3.608-mile) layout is the downhill grid. At the start of the race the slope requires the drivers to hold their cars on the brakes until releasing the clutch; if the task isn’t carried out seamlessly, a poor getaway is inevitable. Pirelli are making available their two hardest rubber compounds – the Medium (Option) and the Hard (Prime) – as they did in Malaysia, Spain, Great Britain and Italy earlier in the year. The reason for the conservative tyre choice is the number of high-speed corners on the lap, through which up to 800kg of load is placed on the tyres. |
The Team |
McLaren has won the Japanese Grand Prix on nine occasions, the team’s most recent victory coming in 2011 with Jenson Button. As was the case in Singapore last time out, Kevin Magnussen will be tackling the circuit for the first time. |
Vital Statistics |
Japanese Grand
Prix 3rd - 5th October Suzuka |
|
McLaren at the Japanese Grand Prix |
|
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a message, I will verify them swiftly, Sorry to have to do this now as some twat keeps spamming my message system, unfortunately they are ignorant and spoil it for everyone else,
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.