Japanese GP Preview: Welcome Back to Suzuka Circuit
Japanese GP Preview: Welcome Back to Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka may be the track that fans and drivers alike have missed the most out of all those removed from the Formula One schedule over the previous few seasons. The Japanese Grand Prix, unfortunately, did not take place in 2020 or 2021 because of the Covid epidemic. But it’s finally back this weekend.
The Suzuka Circuit
The race, which serves as the 18th round of the 2022 season, is held at the renowned Suzuka track. This circuit is distinctive in that the circuit is laid out in the shape of an eight.
A 3.6-mile, two-half circuit, it has high-speed hairpin bends, smoothly linked turns, profiled hairpin bends, chicanes, and just about every other form of turn you can think of. Because of this, it can be difficult for powertrains to offer the whole power range without sacrificing handling and responsiveness.
The drivers can also not do excessive braking, and there is a lack of run-off zones. The secret to success on this circuit is developing a strong rhythm and a decent aero balance. Since the circuit is relatively small and overtaking is challenging, strategy is essential.
Tire wear and degradation are significant since the track surface is also one of the roughest and most abrasive of the year.
Typhoons are a possibility at this time of year in Suzuka, which is noted for its unpredictable weather. The forecast predicts clear skies for Saturday’s qualifying and additional rain for Sunday’s race. Friday’s practice was severely rained out.
What happened last time at Suzuka Circuit?
Super Typhoon Hagibis caused a lot of rain, which halted competition at Suzuka on Saturday. However, Sebastian Vettel knew he would be strapped back in for the race a few hours later as he got out of his Ferrari after winning the pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Vettel was on pole for the first time in ten races with his teammate behind him. However, Ferrari managed to blow a winning opportunity. The driver on pole position was responsible for the first mistake.
A false start and first-lap contact with Verstappen were added to the Scuderia’s incredible roster of 2019 implosions. It looked like Ferrari had completed their game of catastrophe after experiencing unreliability, strategic meltdowns, the VSC, and the first-lap farce.
The race ended with a P1 (Bottas) and P3 ( Hamilton) for Mercedes, with a bonus point to Hamilton for the fastest lap, which meant that they secured the constructor’s championship title for a staggering sixth consecutive time.
Verstappen fights for championship again
This weekend, Max Verstappen will get a second chance to win the Formula 1 championship. If he were to be successful, he would join some of the most illustrious figures in the sport that won the championship at the prestigious Suzuka Circuit.
In Japan, no fewer than 11 drivers have won championships, increasing the standing of Formula 1’s premier Asian track.
He has to bring a 112-point advantage out of Japan. By 106 and 108 points, respectively, he is ahead of Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc. He must outscore Leclerc by eight points and Perez by six to win it.
He cannot take home the championship if he places seventh or worse.
This season, Verstappen has consistently finished one spot ahead of both Leclerc and Perez, so the average implies he will be able to perform just well enough to clinch the title this weekend.
