Japanese Grand Prix 2014, Suzuka - Race 15/19

Shimmy

Shimmy

Shimmy

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Suzuka

One of the greatest tracks used in Formula One racing today, Japan's Suzuka circuit is a massive test of car and driver ability. Built by Honda as a test facility in 1962, the track was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholz, the Hermann Tilke of his day. A huge theme park was also constructed at the track, including the famous big wheel which dominates the Suzuka skyline.

In 1987, having hosted various sportscar and F2 races, and having lost out initially to Fuji in the race to host the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda's influence finally prevailed and the Grand Prix had a new Japanese home. And - 2007/8 aside - at Suzuka the race has stayed ever since, providing the scene for many nail-biting end-of-season deciders, including the infamous collisions involving Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.

Suzuka includes some of the F1 calendar's most challenging corners. Among the drivers' favourites are the high-speed 130R and the famous Spoon Curve. On top of this the circuit's figure-of-eight layout makes it unique in F1 racing.
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TV Times

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Track Diagram & Information

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Live Timing

http://www.formula1.com/live_timing/


Weather Forecast

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Technical Changes

http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/


Japan Preview Quotes

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/9/16404.html


WDC Standings

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Constructors' Championship Standings

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Practice 1

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Practice 2

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Practice 3

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Qualifying

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Race

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Torro Rosso have confirmed that Max Verstappen will be taking JEV's seat for FP1, looking forward to seeing how he'll go. Will be interesting now that there is no 'driver coaching'.

I do feel for JEV as he's far from a bad driver.

MV:
It is good preparation for next year, even if it’s not something I could have imagined a few months ago.To already be participating in a practice session is of course a dream come true. I have actually been to Suzuka before, to take part in a go‑kart race on the track that is located next to the main circuit’s back straight. My dad has raced at Suzuka many times and he told me it’s not an easy track to start on.

For me it will be a very valuable experience, spending some time in the car and also getting used to working with everyone in the team, to prepare myself for next year. I am not going there to break any records, I just want to gain experience. I have spent one day driving this track on the simulator, which helps a bit, but it’s no substitute for driving it for real. My first impression is that it’s not an easy track and for example it looks hard to get the combination right in the first Esses. I have one and a half hours to drive there and I’m looking forward to doing a good job, for myself and for the team.
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Cheers Shimmy :)

Love me some Suzuka!

Shimmy said:
Torro Rosso have confirmed that Max Verstappen will be taking JEV's seat for FP1, looking forward to seeing how he'll go. Will be interesting now that there is no 'driver coaching'.

I do feel for JEV as he's far from a bad driver.
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Yea it'll be interesting to see how he goes.

It is harsh for JEV, there really wasn't that much between him and Ricciardo when all was said and done and Ricciardo ends up with a RB seat and JEV could be potentially without a drive, very harsh.
 
Woooooohoooooooo Formula 1 Weekend, Suzuka! Love this circuit, love the enthusiasm of the fans and the overall vibe. Up there with Spa for my fav tracks of the year.

Rumour has it that Alonso will be announced as Mclaren driver for 2015 this weekend. Apparantly Honda have already paid Ferrari off to get him. :cool:
 
smr said:
Rumour has it that Alonso will be announced as Mclaren driver for 2015 this weekend. Apparantly Honda have already paid Ferrari off to get him. :cool:
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Boullier said earlier this week that there were no plans to announce driver plans for next year at Suzuka, though who knows how true that is.

Clearly they want Alonso (or any fallout from Mercedes), otherwise they could have easily signed up Button and Magnussen and announced them months ago. McLaren might well end up exploring how watertight Hulkenberg's contract is, as if they fail with Alonso he may be the only alternative to the status quo (if Vandoorne isn't deemed ready). They're clearly not happy with their current lineup.

The question everyone has is whether Alonso genuinely wants to join them, or if he's again using it as a motivational tool against Ferrari (not that it's made much difference in the past). He certainly holds all the keys.
 
Wahoo, and I'm on nights all week and working Sunday night instead of sat night. So should get to see everything live other than p1.
 
Glaucus said:
Wahoo, and I'm on nights all week and working Sunday night instead of sat night. So should get to see everything live other than p1.
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This will also be the first time that I'll be able to watch the race live in many, many months!
 
Love this track. Lewis needs another win here.


smr said:
Woooooohoooooooo Formula 1 Weekend, Suzuka! Love this circuit, love the enthusiasm of the fans and the overall vibe. Up there with Spa for my fav tracks of the year.

Rumour has it that Alonso will be announced as Mclaren driver for 2015 this weekend. Apparantly Honda have already paid Ferrari off to get him. :cool:
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If true then the 30mil Ferrari get will pay for Lewis to go there if things go **** up at Merc.
 
Can you really see Fiat allowing Alonso to leave? Ferrari are in enough trouble, are they really going to let Alonso go without earning a single title? Thats going to sting.
 
Come on I don't want this years constructors determined by reliability. Nico and Lewis fight to the end please (yes I've not forgotten that silly double points system.) Love me some Suzuka
 
smr said:
Woooooohoooooooo Formula 1 Weekend, Suzuka! Love this circuit, love the enthusiasm of the fans and the overall vibe. Up there with Spa for my fav tracks of the year.

Rumour has it that Alonso will be announced as Mclaren driver for 2015 this weekend. Apparantly Honda have already paid Ferrari off to get him. :cool:
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Why Honda? They are just an engine supplier.
 
smr said:
Woooooohoooooooo Formula 1 Weekend, Suzuka! Love this circuit, love the enthusiasm of the fans and the overall vibe. Up there with Spa for my fav tracks of the year.

Rumour has it that Alonso will be announced as Mclaren driver for 2015 this weekend. Apparantly Honda have already paid Ferrari off to get him. :cool:
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That rumour was put to bed in Singapore wasn't it?
 
majnu said:
Why Honda? They are just an engine supplier.
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They are more than 'just' an engine supplier to McLaren. They give them the engines for free in exchange for being considered the works team. Similar to the relationship they used to have with Mercedes.

Honda will have significant sway in deciding what McLaren do.
 
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