Japanese GP, at Suzuka on the old school track that everyone likes. Verstappen at the second march point
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Old school track, very technical, tight, fast corners, straights to push hard. The form is 8, unique in the Circus, but for Max Verstappen Suzuka it seems more and more like a 2: in Japan the Dutch Red Bull has the second match point for the title. It will be enough for him to close the Sunday GP (at 7 am Italian time) with 8 points ahead of Charles Leclerc and with 6 more than his teammate Sergio Perez, who won a week ago amidst controversy in Singapore. In practice, it will be enough for him to win with the fastest lap and not care what others are doing. But in Japan, all the others besides him are exalted.
Japanese GP, wet practice: Russell the fastest in the second free practice. Ferrari back
It is a circuit with a very fascinating character of its own, which returns to the calendar after two years of absence due to a pandemic. Designed in 1962 by Dutchman John “Hans” Hugenholtz, it has been running there since 1987 (the most successful is Michael Schumacher, with 6 successes) and is liked by all drivers because it is among the most formidable and challenging in the World Championship and with many legendary places. Almost 6 km long, it has 8 curves, 10 to the right and 8 to the left, many very fast like the 15, hairpin bends like the 11 and stretches that wind like a snake, as in the first sector, with frequent changes of direction. There are many and significant differences in height, the areas where you can go at full throttle that alternate with very guided sectors such as the chicane that leads onto the final straight. It requires everything, starting with the engine: the endothermic engine is exploited to the maximum for over 70% of the lap, but the hybrid part also plays a very important role. And watch out for consumption. But it is a track where traction and grip are also needed and where the tires are particularly stressed.
Gp. Japan: Alonso super dominates the first free practices in the rain. Well Sainz and Leclerc, Accident to Mick Schumacher
That’s why engineers have to find a compromise when setting up the machines: you need a mix of speed, stability and handling. The track requires an average downforce and particular care in balancing for the fastest folds in order to make the tires work without wearing them too much.
F1, Mick Schumacher in Suzuka with a special helmet: cherry trees in honor of Japan
Starting from the front is the key for Suzuka: in 26 out of 31 races, the drivers on the front row have won. Staying on pole always gives you an advantage, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that here is equally decisive: 15 times the poleman won, 11 times the driver who started 2nd.
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by Alessandra Retico
Verstappen prepares the party at the home of Honda, the engineer of his team. In Japan the World title was won on 12 occasions, the last time it was won by Sebastian Vettel in 2011. The German of Aston Martin and former Ferrari driver, who will retire at the end of this season, just on the eve of Suzuka said that if he were to ever return one day and for once to race in F1 to replace someone, in Japan he would do so with immense pleasure: “On this track I have always felt my passion alive”. Suzuka old school, always new love.
Where to see the Japanese GP qualifications on TV
The third free practice session will be held on Saturday morning at 5am. Qualifying starts at 8: live on Sky Sport Formula 1 (channel 207) and Sky Sport 1 (channel 201), live streaming on Sky Go and Now. Delayed free-to-air transmission on Tv8 at 4.30pm.
Where to see the Japanese GP on TV
Sunday morning at 7 the start of the Japanese GP. Live on Sky Sport Formula 1 (channel 207), Sky Sport 1 (channel 201) and in reruns at 10 and 13. Live streaming on Sky Go and Now. Deferred unencrypted on Tv8 at 4pm.
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