This weekend Formula 1 returns to Japan just six months after the previous visit.
In 2024, the Japanese Grand Prix will take place in April for the first time in history. Until last year, the Suzuka circuit took place at the end of the season, often making it the arena in which world champions were determined. The past two years have been no exception: in 2022 Max Verstappen guaranteed himself the title in the individual competition and in 2023 Red Bull Racing won the constructors’ championship.
For the 2024 round, Pirelli brought the three toughest compounds: C1, C2 and C3. Exactly the same choice was made in the first stage of the season in Bahrain. Italian tire manufacturers believe that the hardest tires are the best option for Suzuki in terms of wear due to the high abrasiveness of the asphalt and due to the loads that act on the rubber in fast corners throughout the lap.
Due to the pressure on the tires during the race, the two pit stop strategy is the most popular. However, the cooler temperatures of spring can make a one-stop strategy possible, especially for drivers who know how to handle their tires carefully.
On the other hand, this option can be more difficult to implement, as it is not easy to quickly bring the tires up to operating temperature when leaving the pits. Furthermore, the one-stop strategy reduces the effectiveness of the ‘cutting’ that is usually effective at Suzuka.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, there will be two days of testing with prototype tire compounds and designs for the 2025 season. The Sauber and RB teams will test on Tuesday April 9 and Wednesday April 10.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
