One of the fastest circuits on the calendar, Suzuka's unusual figure-of-eight layout is massively popular with the drivers as it presents huge challenges and a wide variety of corners, most notably the infamous 130R but also the daunting first corner with its awkward camber leading up to the Esses, a slow hairpin and the long, double-apex left-hand Spoon Curve.
Built by Honda as a test facility in 1962, the track was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholz, the Hermann Tilke of his day. The only real passing opportunity, though, can be found heading into the Casio Triangle chicane right at the end of the lap, however, following a car closely through 130R requires total commitment from a driver.
Finally, there is the unpredictable weather and rain is seldom far away, waiting to play a role in the race weekend.
Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix
Top speed:
312 km/h (194 mph)
Average speed:
222 km/h (138 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
62%
Time under braking:
9%
Gear changes per lap:
36
Tyre compounds:
soft/hard (2009)
Tyre wear:
high
Brake demand:
low
Downforce level:
high
Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix
The circuit is characterised by the high average engine speeds with the car either in high-speed corners or accelerating to high gears out of the slower turns. Coupled with the sixteen second full throttle burst from Spoon Curve to braking for the chicane, means that the fuel consumption is among the highest of the year. Suzuka is also one of the toughest rounds on the calendar for tyres. The abrasive surface and combination of mid to high speed corners can mean high tyre wear rates although the circuit's unique figure of 8 layout produces a series of directional changes which balances demands between both the left and right-hand tyres.
Above all you need a well-balanced car, especially in the Esses at the beginning of the lap where a lot of time can be lost if the car understeers or oversteers. Indeed, the gear ratios are selected in order to put the engine in the best part of its power band through this crucial section.
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Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix
Key Points:
Turn 1 – A double apex corner crucial to good lap times as errors will not only lose time in this corner but throughout the subsequent ‘Esses’ complex.
Turn 14 '130R' – The following chicane offers the best overtaking chance but it is through the high speed and tricky 130R that the driver has to set up the move.
