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2009 Japanese Grand Prix: 2 - 4 October 2009
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2006 DATA:
Length:
5.807 km |
No of Laps:
67 (305.721 Km) |
2006 Pole Position:
F. Massa - 1:29.599 min (Ferrari) |
Lap Record:
K. Räikkönen - 1:31.540 min (McLaren Mercedes, 2005) |
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2006 Fastest Lap:
F. Alonso - 1:32.676 min (Renault)
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2006 Top 8:
1. F. Alonso (Renault)
2. F. Massa (Ferrari)
3. G. Fisichella (Renault)
4. J. Button (Honda)
5. K. Räikkönen (McLaren)
6. J. Trulli (Toyota)
7. R. Schumacher (Toyota)
8. N. Heidfeld (BMW Sauber F1 Team) |
Japanese GP Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
67% |
| Top speed race |
313 km/h |
| Longest flat-out section |
16 sec / 1,230 m |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
10/8 |
| Tyre wear |
high |
| Brake wear |
high |
| Downforce level |
low |
| Gearshifts per lap |
42 |
Circuit Profile: Suzuka International Circuit, Japan
Suzuka was the first Asian circuit to be included in the Formula One calendar and since been a major venue for the event and is today recognised as one of the greatest tracks in Formula One. It is also recognised for being one of toughest tracks to drive on, considered by drivers as the ultimate test in car and driver ability.
The Suzuka circuit was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholz and built in 1962 by Honda as its test facility. Amongst its many unique features is the theme park that was built at the track with the huge Ferris wheel that has come to dominate the Suzuka skyline.
Having spent years playing second fiddle to the Fuji circuit hosting various sportscar and F2 races, Honda eventually prevailed and succeeded in bringing the Japanese Grand Prix to Suzuka in 1987. It has since stayed there and been the scene of many nail-biting championship season ending drama, among them the famous collision between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
The circuit’s level of difficulty also makes it stand out in the calendar, a reputation that has been earned by its challenging corners. These include the famous high-speed 130R and Spoon Curve. Its figure-of-eight layout is also one of the most unique in the sport.
Located on the Island of Honshu in south-central Japan, the circuit sits on the Ise Bay and is approximately 320 km from Tokyo. The closest international airports are Osaka’s Kansai Airport, which is about 150km east of Suzuka and the Nagoya International Airport 50km south-west of Suzuka.
With Japan’s extensive and high-tech network of expressways and public transportation, the circuit is also accessible by road as well as by train.
The BMW Sauber F1 Team on the Japanese Grand Prix:
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“After racing at Fuji for the last two years, Formula One is stopping by at Suzuka once again in 2009. The extremely challenging Suzuka circuit is a lot more popular among the drivers than Fuji. Whatever the venue, though, the Japanese Formula One fans are always great. They put everything into supporting the drivers and teams and are at the circuit early in the morning, regardless of how rough the weather may be. They certainly deserve to have a good show put on for them.
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“Getting the right balance for the car is arguably more important at Suzuka than at any other track. The esses shortly after the start of the lap are critical. Here, the car has to be able to change direction quickly and with great precision if you’re not to lose too much time. This section presents a real challenge. Suzuka is the favourite circuit of most of the drivers – for good reason. The large number of corners places the tyres under very heavy loads, which is something you need to bear in mind with the car set-up."
Nick Heidfeld:
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am that my favourite circuit is back on the calendar! Suzuka is for me the greatest track in F1. The esses on the opposite side of the circuit from the pit lane are a particular high point. Here, five fast corners follow one after the other. If you catch them just right, you can flow really nicely through this section. However, if you make a mess of the first in the sequence, you’re always struggling. I like Japan quite a lot anyway, but all the more so when we go to Suzuka."
PAST WINNERS:
| Year |
Driver |
Year |
Driver |
| 2006 |
F. Alonso (Renault) |
1996 |
D. Hill (Williams) |
| 2005 |
K. Räikkönen (McLaren) |
1995 |
M. Schumacher (Benetton) |
| 2004 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1994 |
D. Hill (Williams) |
| 2003 |
R. Barrichello (Ferrari) |
1993 |
A. Senna (McLaren) |
| 2002 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1992 |
R. Patrese (Williams) |
| 2001 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1991 |
G. Berger (McLaren) |
| 2000 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1990 |
N. Piquet (Benetton) |
| 1999 |
M. Hakkinen (McLaren) |
1989 |
A. Nannini (Benetton) |
| 1998 |
M. Hakkinen (McLaren) |
1988 |
A. Senna (McLaren) |
| 1997 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1987 |
G. Berger (Ferrari) |
Other Circuits