Lead Up to Lights Out: Suzuka International Racing Course

As we approach the fourth race of the year, let's learn more about the Suzuka International Racing Course.

TRACK STATS

Location: Japan, Suzuka

Time Zone: GMT+9

First Grand Prix: 1987

Number of Laps: 53

Number of Turns: 18

Number of DRS Zones: 1

Circuit Length: 5.807km/3.608mi

Race Distance: 307.471km

Top Speed: 195.732 MPH

Capacity: 155,000

Temperature: Highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C with a 50% chance of rain in April

Track Elevation: 40.4m

Lap Record: 1:30.983 by Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes AMG F1 W10 (2019)

Most Wins: Michael Schumacher with 6 wins, one with Benetton and five with Ferrari

Designed By: John Hugenholtz

Interesting Fact: It is the only FIA licensed track to be in the shape of a figure eight

2023 SUZUKA GRAND PRIX

The 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, which was full of DNF’S, was held in September when McLaren were at their best. The papaya pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lined up second and third on the grid behind pole sitter Max Verstappen, they managed to apply pressure off the line but it wasn’t enough as the dutchman pulled away with a 19 second gap. The McLaren drivers still had strong races maintaining their respective positions at the checkered flag.

There was a big crash between Alex Albon and Valtteri Bottas as the lights went out, the Williams driver managed to continue but only until lap 29 where he had to retire. This wasn’t the only contact Botas had with a Williams as he collided with Logan Sargeant on lap 5 sending him to the back of the field. The Finnish drivers day ultimately came to an end on lap 9 as he was forced to retire.

A failed late lunge from Sergio Perez down the inside of Kevin Magnussen saw the red bull collide with either rear of the Haas. Just three laps later Perez too was forced to retire. Lance Stroll along with both of the Willams drivers joined the long list of retirements which ended with five.

The Mercedes duo provided lots of entertainment as they fought for the midfield positions early in the race. On lap 38 George Russell saw himself in P2, though this was only short lasting as he slipped back to P5 by lap 45 after being overtaken by both McLarens and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. The day continued to get worse for the number 63 who was told to swap positions with Lewis Hamilton on lap 49, this ultimately left him vulnerable to Carlos Sainz who was less than a second behind and on lap 50 overtaken and pushed back to P7.

At the waving of the chequered flag, Max Verstappen finished 1st getting enough points to see Red Bull win the Constructors Championship for the sixth time, this was also the first race we saw a kiss activated trophy! Lando Norris finished in 2nd with Oscar Piastri in 3rd for a double McLaren podium. The rest of the top ten drivers finishing in the points positions were as follows:

4. Charles Leclerc

5. Lewis Hamilton

6. Carlos Sainz

7. George Russell

8. Fernando Alonso

9. Esteban Ocon

10. Pierre Gasly

2024 SUZUKA GRAND PRIX

The race two weeks ago in Australia saw a rather unexpected Ferrari 1-2 with Carlos Sainz getting the win just two weeks after having his appendix removed. Granted they were given a helping hand with the retirement of Max Verstappen early in the race but Sergio Perez wasn’t in the podium fight and finished P5.

A Verstappen win is still highly likely if the brake issue is resolved, but the Ferrari’s will be looking to build on their momentum and boy did they look fast! A win for any Ferrari or Red Bull driver will see them go (or remain) top of the Drivers’ Championship.

If anyone is going to stop the top two, it will be McLaren. Lando Norris took the final step on the Melbourne podium and felt he should have finished second, both papaya drivers have had strong starts to the season and as mentioned above they are proven to be strong around the Sukuka track.

Mercedes came into last years race as a midfield team and that’s exactly what they are this time around. George Russell looks to be stronger then his struggling teammate Lewis Hamilton, but after a double DNF they really need some points in Japan.

Australia was a tough weekend for Williams leaving with no points and just one car having taken part in the race. James Vowles has said there should be two Williams’ competing this weekend, but there still is no spare chassis meaning the situation could arise again. The team principle will be praying for a clean weekend!

Both Haas drivers managed to finish inside the points in Melbourne, a strong start to season for them which they will be hoping to carry into race week 4.

Yuki Tsunoda will be hoping to impress in front of his home fans. Last time out at Suzuka he reached Q3 but sadly finished outside of the points in the race. After a tough first two races for the RB Formula One Team where both drivers finished outside the points, come the Australian Grand Prix and the Japanese driver finished eighth and was promoted to seventh following Fernando Alonso’s penalty earning good points for the team.

Many drivers enjoy racing in Japan due to its elevation changes, last year lots of good racing happened into turn 14 and the Spoon Curve so look out for more of that in Sunday’s race! Leave your predictions in the comments below!