Ferrari statistics: key F1 records and figures at Suzuka | 2024 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. We review the most important F1 stats, numbers and figures from Ferrari's performance in the Japan GP.

The Suzuka International Racing Course, renowned for its rich history and challenging layout, is poised to host the 2024 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. This iconic circuit, located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, is a cornerstone of the Formula 1 calendar, celebrated for testing the limits of drivers and their machines alike. As the venue for the Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka offers a blend of high-speed corners, technical sectors, and dramatic elevation changes that create a comprehensive challenge unmatched by most circuits worldwide.

Constructed by Honda as a test facility in 1962, the track was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholtz and has since evolved into a public road racing circuit that captivates fans and drivers with its unique figure-eight layout, one of the few in the world. This design feature, along with its blend of 18 turns over 5.807 kilometers, demands precision and bravery, with famous sections such as the “Esses,” “Spoon Curve,” and the fearsome “130R” corner.

The “Esses” section, a series of high-speed, flowing corners at the beginning of the lap, immediately puts drivers to the test, requiring a rhythmical approach to maintain speed and balance. The “Degner Curve,” another highlight, combines two tight corners where the slightest error can result in a significant loss of time or a trip to the gravel trap. “Spoon Curve” is a complex, double-apex left-hander leading onto one of the circuit’s two long straights, demanding a perfect exit to maximize speed down to the “130R.” This corner, one of the fastest in Formula 1, has been the site of many memorable moments and overtakes, showcasing the drivers’ courage as they navigate it at speeds exceeding 300 km/h.

The track’s demanding nature extends beyond its layout. Suzuka’s variable weather conditions add another layer of complexity to the race weekend. Situated near the coast, the circuit can experience sudden changes in weather, from clear skies to torrential rain, challenging teams to adapt their strategies and setups rapidly.

Key statistics
First Grand Prix – 1987
Track Length – 5.807km
Lap record – 1m 30.983s, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2019
Most pole positions – Michael Schumacher (8)
Most wins – Michael Schumacher (6)
Trivia – Suzuka is the only figure-of-eight track on the F1 calendar
Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 277 metres
Overtakes completed in 2023 – 69
Safety Car probability – 50%*
Virtual Safety Car probability – 33%*
Pit stop time loss – 22.1 seconds

Suzuka presents a comprehensive challenge for Formula 1 vehicles, featuring a unique figure-of-eight configuration—the sole example on the circuit roster. This layout encompasses a diverse range of corners, from high to medium and low speeds, complemented by several extended straights.

The initial high-velocity sector frequently poses a challenge for drivers to master, as shifts in wind direction can significantly influence performance. This is particularly evident through the intricate ‘S’ Curves, where the combination of technical demands and varying wind tests the capabilities of both the cars and their drivers to the utmost.