SGT: 2009 Super GT Series: Rd. 6 Suzuka International Circuit
Suzuka 700km race, 23 August 2009
2008 Data
Length:
5.807 km |
Race Format:
1000km race |
2008 Pole Position, GT500:
Yuji Ide / Shinya Hosokawa / Kosuke Matsuura - 2.07.474min (Raybrig NSX) |
Lap Record:
Daisuke Ito - 1:49.842min (ARTA NSX, 2007) |
2008 Fastest Lap:
Ralph Firman - 1:57.897 min (ARTA NSX) |
2008 Top 6:
1. T. Matsuda / S. Philippe (Calsonic Impul GTR)
2. Y. Ide / S. Hosokawa / K. Matsuura (Raybrig NSX)
3. J. Wakisaka / A. Lotterer / C. van Dam (PETRONAS TOM'S SC430)
4. M. Krumm / M. Yanagida / D. Schwager (Motul Autech GTR)
5. R. Quintarelli / N. Yokomizo (YellowHat YMS Tomica GTR)
6. A. Iida / B. Wirdheim / R. Streit (Eneos SC430) |
|
|
2009 Super GT Series
Suzuka International Circuit (鈴鹿サーキット or Mobilityland)
Rd 6 - Suzuka 700km
22 - 23 August 2009
Circuit Profile
As one of the oldest tracks in Japan, Suzuka was also 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.
Located on the Island of Honshu in south-central Japan, 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. In addition, Suzuka is also one of a handful of circuits to feature a figure-8 layout. The track itself does not actually intersect with itself, instead the back straight passes over the front through an overpass.
Because of its unique layout and high degree of difficulty, the track is considered as a favourite as it requires the maximum of a driver's skills. It has also earned a reputation for the challenging 130R and Spoon Curve corners and on that basis alone it is loved by drivers and spectators for its challenging design.
In the world of Formula One, Suzuka spent many years playing second fiddle to the Fuji circuit hosting various sportscar and F2 races. In 1987 that all changed when Honda eventually succeeded in bringing the Japanese Grand Prix to Suzuka. It has since stayed there, with the exception of 2007 and 2008 when the Formula One returned to the Fuji speedway.
Despite this, the circuit continues to be the centre of attention for other motorsports events including the Super GT Suzuka 1000km race, the only race of such length in the series. The high-attrition rate in 2008 claimed some of the series' best drivers and is set to be yet another stunning round in 2009, albeit slightly shorter.
In addition to hosting Formula Nippon and All Japan F3 championship rounds, the circuit is also home to the Suzuka 8 hours for motorcycles, an ongoing event since 1978.
Past Super GT Winners:
| Year |
Driver (Suzuka 1000km) |
| 2007 |
Juichi Wakisaka / Andre Lotterer / Oliver Jarvis (houzan TOM'S SC430) |
|
2006
|
Benoit Treluyer / Kazuki Hoshino / Jeremie Dufour (Calsonic Impul) |