Back on the calendar for the first time since 2006, Suzuka will henceforth share the Japanese Grand Prix withFuji Speedway. The circuit features many quick corners and sudden directional changes, which place asignificant load on tyres, but the figure-of-eight configuration balances the load over the course of a lap so thewear rate is not as significant as the cornering speeds might suggest. Two-stop strategies are the norm, althoughthat depends on local weather patterns: the region is prone to occasional typhoons.
Talking technicalCar dynamicsAverage turn angle indicates the average angle of a circuit’s corners expressed in degrees. The higher theaverage turn angle, the more acute the corners in the circuit’s configuration and the greater propensity forundersteer to compromise lap time. Average turn angle at Suzuka is 990 - which is below the average for theChampionship. Suzuka is the only circuit on the Formula One calendar to feature a figure-of-eight configuration.The end of straight (EOS) speed at Suzuka was 311kp/h in 2006. The Japanese track ranks as having the 4thhighest EOS speed on the 2009 calendar, and this is one indicator of the wing level typically selected to optimisethe downforce/drag ratio. Meanwhile, Suzuka also has the 3rd highest average lap speed of any of the tracks onthe calendar.
Pitlane & refuelling strategyThe pitlane length and profile contribute to the determination of the optimum fuel strategy. The pitlane loss atSuzuka is approximately 19.9 seconds, which is the 10th most penalising pitlane in the Championship. Tocomplete a normalised distance of 5km around Suzuka requires 2.37kg of fuel against an average of 2.42kg per5km across all circuits this season, ranking the circuit as the 5th least demanding in terms of fuel consumption.
Safety carAnother key contributor to the determination of race strategy is the likelihood of safety car deployments, whichare influenced by weather considerations, the availability of clear run-off areas that allow racing to continue whilerecovery takes place and the circuit profile, especially the character of the entry and exit into turn one at the startof the race. There has been only one safety car deployment during the five previous races at Suzuka whichmeans the circuit’s character is unlikely to induce a safety car period.
Temperature, pressure & humidityAs an example, it is a long observed tradition that drivers arriving at Interlagos complain about a lack of grip andan absence of engine power. Having become acquainted with a baseline of engine and aerodynamicperformance during the season, the climb to 750 metres above sea level for one of the final races can, courtesyof the reduction in air density, rob a Formula One car of engine power, aerodynamic performance and cooling.The losses can come close to double digit percentages and thus have a very real impact on car performance.Air density is a factor of the prevailing ambient temperature, which varies most significantly by season, airpressure which is closely linked to altitude and, to a much smaller degree, by humidity. Thus if races are run atthe same time each year, the factor that tends to have the greatest bearing on air density is elevation. Suzuka is50m above sea level and has the 6th highest average pressure (1,009 mbar) of any race venue in the 2009championship. As a consequence, the circuit’s ambient characteristics will have little effect on engine power.
What the drivers say
Thoughts on the Singapore Grand Prix
Nico “Singapore was good and bad. On the one hand, it was impressive to see how much the team hasdeveloped the car which allowed us to be right up there with the quickest teams. On the other hand, I robbed usof a very likely second place with a silly mistake.”
Kazuki “For me, the Singapore Grand Prix was a solid but flat race, I didn’t really have any bad moments, butthere weren’t any highlights either. We were strong all weekend, and consistent too, but at the end of the day Ididn’t manage to make up enough places during the race to get into a points-scoring position. I am now justhoping that it will happen at my home race later this week.”
What we’ll be doing between Singapore and Japan
Kazuki “I am flying to Tokyo on Monday morning for a sponsor day on Tuesday. I will then head out to Suzukaon Wednesday. My work won’t be done after the race weekend though as I have two more sponsor days on theMonday and Tuesday after the race! It sounds very busy, but this year’s schedule is better for me than the one Ihad last year when all the events were packed into the week before the race.”
Nico ”I am travelling to Hong Kong after Singapore for a day with RBS on Tuesday. I’ll then make my wayover to Japan on Wednesday.”
About JapanKazuki “I kind of grew up around Suzuka. I have been to the circuit many, many times and it’s the place where Istarted karting. I’ve also watched countless races there, not just Formula One races, but many other forms ofJapanese motorsport, so going to Suzuka feels like going home. Apart from a short trip last April, I haven’t beenthere for the past four years so it will be almost like a new experience. Overall, it’s just a very nice place and Ican’t wait to get there.”
Nico “I am now looking forward to Suzuka because I think we can do well there. Personally, I think the trackis one of the best on the calendar, up there with Spa. It’s also a good venue for Formula One because the fansare so enthusiastic which is always great.”
Suzuka from a technical perspectiveKazuki “Suzuka has a very technically challenging layout. It’s designed in a figure of eight shape, which has amix of 16 slow and fast corners around the lap. One of my favourites is the famous 130R which is reallyunforgiving. It’s a really quick circuit so you have to make sure you have a well balanced set-up or you’re justpunished the whole way round. The one thing you have to be careful of in Japan at this time of year is theweather which can be really variable, but that could just make it more exciting!”
Nico “I haven't been to Suzuka for three years now but I felt really comfortable on the track the last time that Iraced there I am looking forward to driving it again.”
