It’s back to back races for Scuderia Ferrari as we travel from Sochi to Suzuka
Circuit info
Circuit name: 2017 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix
First race: 1987
Previous winners
2017 Lewis Hamilton
2016 Nico Rosberg
2015 Lewis Hamilton
2014 Lewis Hamilton
History lesson
Suzuka was built by the Honda Motor Company in 1962. Its innovative figure-of-eight design was the brainchild of Dutchman John Hugenholtz and the layout has changed little over the years. The biggest alterations came in the early ’80s, when a chicane was added at the end of the lap and the Degner curve was made into two separate corners. This year’s race is the 30th Japanese Grand Prix to be staged at the track.
What makes the race special?
Suzuka is one of the most revered racetracks in the world. Its undulations and fast corners are a stern test of both car and driver.
Crazy moment
A total of 11 world drivers’ titles have been decided at Suzuka. Some of these title showdowns resulted in controversy, but perhaps the most ‘crazy’ moments came in 2004 and ’10, when qualifying had to be delayed until Sunday morning due to heavy rain.
What we love
The opening seven corners of the lap, which make up Sector One. They are inter-linked and very fast, with a minimum speed of 210km/h/130mph. The smallest of mistakes results in a loss of time.
Sporting legacy
Japan’s passion for Formula 1 knows no bounds. Fans often sit in the grandstand opposite the pits until late into the night and the drivers’ autograph session is one of the most spectacular of the season. But F1 isn’t the only international sporting event on the Japanese horizon; the country is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the summer Olympic Games in 2020.
Did you know?
Suzuka’s figure-of-eight layout is unique on the F1 calendar. The 1.2km/0.746-mile back straight passes over the front section of track at the infamous 130R corner.
Don’t forget
– Scuderia Ferrari has won the Japanese Grand Prix on seven occasions, while Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in Japan, having recorded six victories between 1995-2004
– Sebastian Vettel has won the race four times, in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013, while Lewis Hamilton has the same number of victories, achieved in 2007, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
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