Athletistic will broadcast a live online text broadcast: Formula 1. Japanese Grand Prix. Direct
The Suzuka circuit is one of the most popular in Formula 1, with drivers expecting 66% of the lap to be completed at full speed.
Unlike last weekend’s race in Singapore, there will be more overtaking opportunities and more tire degradation due to the nature of the corners.
The Suzuka, which consists of 18 turns of varying speed and difficulty, is considered one of the toughest tests of driver skill.
Suzuka is a high-speed circuit where teams will need to use more downforce for their cars to perform at their best. Much will depend on the skill of the drivers and who has the most confidence to push their cars to the limit in the higher speed corners.
Already at the start, the drivers expect the S-curves – a series of three corners, where tire grip is crucial. If the tires are not at the optimum temperature, this trio of fast corners can put a driver out of action at the start of a Grand Prix.
The track also includes the infamous Casio Chicance – Turn 7, where Jules Bianchi’s fatal accident took place in 2014. Then on lap 42, Adrian Sutil, ahead of Bianchi, lost control of his Sauber and crashed into the barriers. Nothing serious, everything was in order with the German, and the marshals, having received the green light from the marshals, sent a crane to the track to remove the car. But in the next round, a tragedy occurs that will never be shown on television. Years later, a video will be posted on social networks, filmed by a fan sitting on the podium of Casio Chicane.
Jules takes off at the same place as Sutil at around 200 km/h, losing control of his Marussia. It would have been an ordinary accident, maybe with a strong impact on the barriers, but not more than that, if there had not been a crane on the way. Bianca’s helmet couldn’t withstand such a strong blow. The image of Sutil, who, from behind the barriers, watched this scene with a bewildered, helpless air, is very symbolic.
Charlie Whiting’s internal investigation turned up nothing. The FIA abdicated all responsibility, despite the fact that the tragedy could have been largely avoided.
But despite this tragedy, Suzuka is a great track, its main advantage is balance: long straights, slow corners and fast chicanes make for an exciting race. This is a track where qualifying with pole position is so important that in 26 of the 31 races contested here, the winner has come out of the front row. And today the main favorite will start from pole – Max Verstappen, who will most likely win the second championship title in a row today. Ferari only has one sector advantage at this track, which was shown by qualifying, but not enough to put Max in a fight. Leclerc will start from second place, Sainz – from third. They’ve lost a lot, but Verstappen generally looks a lot stronger in the race.
Formula 1. Japanese Grand Prix. Direct
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I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
