Japanese Grand Prix 2014, Suzuka - Race 15/19

Shimmy · 29 Sep 2014 at 12:30

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.

TV Times

Track Diagram & Information

Live Timing

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

Weather Forecast

Technical Changes

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

Japan Preview Quotes

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

WDC Standings

Constructors' Championship Standings

Practice 1

Practice 2

Practice 3

Qualifying

Race

Shimmy · 29 Sep 2014 at 12:33

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.

Shimmy · 29 Sep 2014 at 14:17

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.

This will also be the first time that I'll be able to watch the race live in many, many months!

Shimmy · 2 Oct 2014 at 10:18

FIA are set to discuss with Bernie the possibility of an earlier race start, darkness could be an issue with the typhoon.

If it rains of course, game over.

Shimmy · 2 Oct 2014 at 11:36

this_is_gav said:
He's not going to be keen on that (or rather the networks won't) but if the alternative is a strong chance of no race, or race aborted after a few laps, it would be hard to argue against.

Apparently the FIA don't need Bernie's approval if it's on safety grounds. Earliest start allowed is 11am local time and they have until Saturday to decide.

With the probability of the typhoon's direction so hard to predict, I don't think we'll find out till Saturday.

Shimmy · 2 Oct 2014 at 12:06

Guerrilla said:
That'd be race start 3am for us if it was 11am over there?

2am.

Updated the current weather forecast in OP, afternoon is a write off based on this.

Packing down looks it will be fun for the teams.

Shimmy · 4 Oct 2014 at 05:49

Race set to stay at normal start time tomorrow, I feel they will massively regret that tomorrow..

Also stuffs the teams packing up for Sochi, who will now have to do it during a typhoon.

Shimmy · 5 Oct 2014 at 06:15

Hungry now, but I CBA to get out of bed to cook anything.

Shimmy · 5 Oct 2014 at 09:11

Sutil confirming Bianchi hit the recovery crane, not good. Helicopter airlifting to hospital.

Shimmy · 5 Oct 2014 at 09:16

FIA say Bianchi is unconscious.

Shimmy · 5 Oct 2014 at 09:18

Bianchi taken by Ambulance as conditions not suitable for helicopter, apparently there are some positive signs.

Shimmy · 5 Oct 2014 at 10:02

****

Shimmy · 5 Oct 2014 at 10:23

wesley said:
yes but what about this? https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzK4M_DCIAAZsN6.jpg

the cover looks fine to me. odd. i think this is a later photo where brandi have be removed from the car

Engine cover is pretty flimsy, recovery crane probably took the cover off when moving forwards.

Marshalls likely put it back on after Bianchi had been taken out of the cockpit.

Shimmy · 6 Oct 2014 at 13:43

What are peoples thoughts on creation of the Sochi GP thread, should I create it today as normal or wait till later on in the week?

Shimmy · 6 Oct 2014 at 19:30

JUMPURS said:
Lucky a marshall wasn't also killed.

Also, i'm afraid to say, Jules was going way to fast and not 'preparing to stop'

If you look, the marshall directly above in the tower is waving a green flag..

http://gfycat.com/HiddenSleepyIceblueredtopzebra

Shimmy · 7 Oct 2014 at 23:23

Skeeter said:
Valid point. We have another race thread coming up too.

~Mike~ said:
Shimmy is slacking the Russian GP thread should have been started by now.

I did ask earlier in the thread whether to make it on Monday as usual as I knew Jules would be the dominating talking point quite rightly.

I know it's in jest, but I'll make the new thread tomorrow morning. Just got home and need some sleep