For many western travellers, Japan is like another planet. However, Japan has a rich Formula One history and some of the most enthusiastic fans – scores of supporters line the circuit entrance hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Most prepare banners and special outfits for the occasion…

With the driver market having seen its first major shift for some time in the past week, Formula One gets back down to the nitty gritty of racing at Japan’s spectacular Suzuka circuit. Last year, Sebastian Vettel clinched the World Championship at the iconic track but this time around he finds himself as the nearest challenger to Fernando Alonso, 29 points behind with six races remaining…

Singapore creates a tremendous night-racing spectacle with a fantastic backdrop. And, by being held at night, TV audiences in Europe are able to tune in at a more regular time. However, it does threaten to throw the body clocks of F1 personnel, as it’s important to maintain European time and sleep late…

After the carnage in Spa, and all the mechanical problems at Monza, the World Championship leaves Europe behind for the second major stint of flyaway races and Singapore – the first of seven stops that round out the season. Fernando Alonso heads the standings by 37 points, with Lewis Hamilton leading the group of four main rivals…

A cathedral to speed, Monza has hosted grands prix since 1922 and while the circuit no longer uses its now crumbling, historic banking, the experience is still epic – this is the fastest circuit in Formula One, and can be taken at an average speed of over 250km/h…

The second of back-to-back classic circuits sees the European leg of the Formula One season draw to a close at Monza. Jenson Button goes into the weekend hoping that his second half of the season continues as it started with victory and not quickly fizzle out as the first half did. Sebastian Vettel is another with greater optimism after taking out a big chunk from Fernando Alonso’s lead…