|
2010 Japanese Grand Prix: 8 - 10 October 2010
|
|
2009 DATA:
Length:
5.807 km |
No of Laps:
53 (307.471 Km) |
2009 Pole Position:
S. Vettel - 1:32.160 min (Red Bull Racing) |
Lap Record:
K. Räikkönen - 1:31.540 min (McLaren, 2005) |
|
2009 Fastest Lap:
M. Webber - 1:32.569 min (Red Bull Racing)
|
2009 Top 8:
1. S. Vettel (Red Bull)
2. J. Trulli (Toyota)
3. L. Hamilton (McLaren)
4. K. Räikkönen (Ferrari)
5. N. Rosberg (Williams)
6. N. Heidfeld (BMW Sauber)
7. R. Barrichello (Brawn GP)
8. J. Button (Brawn GP) |
Japanese GP Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
N/A |
| Top speed race |
312 km/h |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
10/8 |
| Tyre wear |
high |
| Brake wear |
high |
| Downforce level |
low |
| Gearshifts per lap |
N/A |
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.
Technical Review of the Japanese Grand Prix:
A clear favourite with drivers across all categories, the extremely challenging Suzuka circuit is one that requires teams getting the right balance for the car. The esses shortly after the start of the lap are critical. Here, five fast corners follow one after the other. Catching them absolutely right, drivers can flow really nicely through this section, which also means a mistake is extremely costly. The car has to be able to change direction quickly and with great precision if you’re not to lose too much time. The large number of corners places the tyres under very heavy loads, which is something teams need to bear in mind with the car set-up.
PAST WINNERS:
| Year |
Driver |
Year |
Driver |
| 2009 |
S. Vettel (Red Bull) |
|
|
| 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