F1 – Japan Grand-Prix 209 – Suzuka International Circuit
• Total number of race laps: 53
• Complete race distance: 307.471 kilometers (191.054 miles)
• Pit lane speed limit: 80 kph (50 mph)
• Top speed: 320km/h/199mph, on the approach to Turn 16 (fastest of season: Monza, 360km/h/224mph)
• Gear changes: 42 per lap/2,226 per race
• Fuel consumption: 1.8kg per lap, which is average
• This 5.807-kilometer (3.608-mile), 18-turn circuit has hosted Formula One since 1987, with last year’s Japanese Grand Prix serving as the venue’s 30th grand prix.
• Kimi Räikkönen holds the race lap record at Suzuka (1:31.540), set in 2005 with McLaren.
• Michael Schumacher holds the qualifying lap record at Suzuka (1:28.954), set in 2006 with Scuderia Ferrari in Q2.
• The layout of Suzuka is a figure-eight, and it is the only track on the 21-race Formula One schedule with such a configuration. It features every kind of corner, which makes it a favorite among drivers. They can push to the absolute limit even without their cars being stuck to the track via maximum downforce, provided their car is properly balanced aerodynamically. Too much downforce slows the car on the straights, while too little doesn’t instill the confidence drivers need to pedal their cars through the more intricate and twisty portions of the course. Drivers are aided by Suzuka’s high level of grip. The relatively old asphalt abuses tires, as the rough surface provides solid traction. This, combined with high lateral loads through the corners, produces a high rate of wear.
Grid advantage
Pole position is on the outside of the grid, on the racing line. There is more grip available there, but it’s a downhill start and a lot can be won and lost on how the driver releases the brake pedal.
Pitlane length/Pitstops
413m/0.257 miles (longest of the season: Silverstone, 457m/0.284 miles). It takes 20s to make a stop
Safety car
60 per cent. The track is narrow, the barriers are close and accidents usually take place at high speed, resulting in a lot of debris.
Watch out for…
The fans, who are passionate and knowledgeable. If it rains heavily, the track’s undulations produce rivers and aquaplaning is a real danger.
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