01R4: Bull's Preview
Konnichiwa, and welcome to the Japanese Grand Prix and one of the most thrilling circuits on the Formula One Calendar: Suzuka!
Designed and built by Honda, Suzuka International Racing Course is a one of the favourite tracks on the calendar – good luck finding a driver who doesn’t love it here.
This year the race has been moved from its usual slot later in the season up to the springtime, and while we’re excited to be visiting during cherry blossom season it could be a bit of a venture into the unknown when it comes to strategy (fret not though, we’ve been running those simulations like crazy).
Last year at Suzuka, not only did Max collect a hattrick (pole, fastest lap and race win), the Team were crowned Constructors Champions for the second year in a row. So as we venture into Japan with fond memories let’s take a look at some of our favourite facts about the unique track:
- The track was built in the 1960’s and featured on the Formula One calendar for the first time in 1987
- Suzuka boasts 18 turns – 10 right handers and 8 left
- Drivers are expected to be at full throttle for 66% of the 5.8km track, and on average will make 48 gear changes
- The longest flat-out section is just under 1km long
- This is the only track on the Formula One calendar that has a crossover
02Oracle Virtual Laps: Suzuka Edition
03Oracle Strategy Guide: Suzuka
04R4: Race Schedule
05Max Previewing Suzuka
Max-imum Focus© Vladimir Rhys
The Team is feeling confident for Suzuka: it is an iconic circuit and is always fun to drive.
Max VerstappenSuzuka is always a great circuit to go racing at. As a Team, we have had a lot of special memories here over the years including winning last year's Constructors’ Championship as well as winning my second Drivers’ Championship here too. It has been nice to have had a break with family and friends before the racing starts and always fun to be able to spend some time in Tokyo too.
The last race in Melbourne was unfortunate and these things happen, however we achieved nine race wins in a row, which is an impressive feat, so we are looking to come back even stronger for this weekend. The Team is feeling confident for Suzuka: it is an iconic circuit and is always fun to drive. The track has a lot of high speed corners and high degradation and we need to ensure that we optimise our performance where we can, especially with rain forecasted for this weekend. I am looking forward to getting back in the car and ready to fight for the win this weekend.
06Looking Ahead To Japan With Checo
Checo Checking In© Vladimir Rhys
I am looking forward to this week, Japan is always a great race on the calendar and this year we are going a lot earlier in the season, which will make things interesting. I always love going to Tokyo before the race week starts, the food in Japan is one of my favourite things so I will be making sure I enjoy that before heading to Suzuka to focus on the race. This circuit always provides exciting racing and the race down into turn one is iconic in the sport – it’s fun if you come out on top there!
The weather can sometimes really influence things here, with the rain that often comes and this time of year looks like it could be the same, so we will need to maximise the moments we get with the car to perfect the set up. Australia was not the best time for the Team, was a shame the penalty we had plus the damage on the race but we have overcome moments like this before. We want to be back on the podium this weekend.
07The Weekend By Numbers
2The Team has fond memories in Japan, having clinched a championship in each of its last two visits to Suzuka
