Poll: Official 2023 Japanese Grand Prix Thread - Suzuka International - Round 17

Rate the Japanese Grand Prix out of ten

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chrismscotland

chrismscotland

chrismscotland

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Suzuka Circuit​

When was the track built?​

In 1962. Soichiro Honda, whose car company you may have heard of, was a man with big ambitions. Seeking to turn Honda into an automotive powerhouse, he decided his company should have its own test track. Dutchman John Hugenholtz got the nod, and drew up the now-iconic ‘crossover’ Suzuka track – although original drawings saw the track pass over and under itself a full three times, which would have been sweet!

When was its first Grand Prix?​

Despite most people agreeing that Suzuka is a worthy successor to sliced bread in the ‘Best Thing’ stakes, the Japanese track was a relative latecomer to the F1 calendar, making its first appearance in 1987. Nigel Mansell would remember that weekend well, after he suffered a crash in qualifying that ruled him out of the race, gifting that year’s championship to his bitter rival Nelson Piquet.

What’s the circuit like?​

Show us a racing a driver who doesn’t love Suzuka, and we’ll show you a liar. The high-speed track remains one of the ultimate driving challenges, with the snaking ‘S’ Curves, the two commitment-rewarding Degners and the white-knuckle ride of 130R all highlights in a series of highlights at what is one of F1’s seminal tracks. And hey, it’s got a crossover, which is always cool, right?

Why go?​

A track that has witnessed an unfair share of legendary F1 moments (not least between Messrs Prost and Senna), a unique set of fans with an unabashed commitment to playing Formula 1 dress-up, a Ferris wheel, and great food. Okay, for most of us it’s a long slog to get there, but surely a better question is: ‘Why not go?’

Where is the best place to watch?​

Take your pick. Grandstands D and E overlook the ‘S’ Curves, giving you an amazing chance to watch downforce and commitment working in perfect harmony as the drivers negotiate the sinuous turns. Elsewhere, the left flank of Grandstand G places you at the inside of 130R, which should be a bit of a treat, while if it’s overtaking you want, Grandstand I will give you a view of the incident-attracting Hairpin.

Japanese Grand Prix 2023 - Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times​

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Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 23rd September - Japanese GP Qualifying Highlights - 10:35
Sunday 24th September - Japanese GP Race Highlights - 12:30


Weekend Weather Forecast (as at 22:30 on 19/09/2023)​



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Track Diagram & Information​



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Previous Race Highlights​

Championship Standings​

Drivers Championship​


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Constructors Championship​


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Just a reminder, but consider it a warning - can we not have any further derogatory name calling of drivers, team bosses and the like. We don't expect you to like every driver/team, but at least keep comments respectful.

If you don't follow this warning, you will lose access to the race thread and the thread for the following race as well.

This includes but is not limited to such terms including Lulu, Crashstappen, Karen Horner, Whingey Spice etc.
 
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On the Sky Podcast , Davidson doesnt expect last weeks technical directives to hugely affect Redbull in Suzuka etc, but does allude to rumours of some teams allowing the skid blocks to move , presumably via floor flexing and allow them to run the car lower...

Around the 23 minute mark.

youtu.be

Is this THE END of Red Bull's dominance this season?! | Sky Sports F1 Podcast

SUBSCRIBE ► http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1In the latest Sky Sports F1 podcast, Simon Lazenby and Anthony Davidson discuss a breathtaking Singapore Grand Prix, ...
youtu.be youtu.be
 
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Is there any word on whether it'll be Dani Ric or Lawson in the second Alpha Tauri this weekend? And is Stroll fit again?
 
hudson86 said:
but does allude to rumours of some teams allowing the skid blocks to move , presumably via floor flexing and allow them to run the car lower...
Click to expand...
Why wouldn't they have been doing that before? :confused:

Can't be bothered to find it again but there was a quote from Lewis where he fully expected RB to be back at the top by quite a margin. He was hoping they weren't 30secs up the road.
 
Red Bull will likely win the constructors this weekend, all they need is to outscore Mercedes and not let Ferarri get 24 points more than them.
 
dansew123 said:
It’s going to be Lawson and stroll. Qatar is ricciardos target now going from what Lawson said in his interview

He’s going to make it hard for teams to not give him a seat next year if he continues performing
Click to expand...

The reality is Lawson is going to be on the sidelines as Red Bull's reserve, not sure I agree with it but its where everything has been pointing this week.
Personally I'd axe Tsunodo and put Lawson alongside Ricciardo next year but for some reason AT don't seem to want to do that.

I can't see him being allowed to leave like Albon was, Albon had effectively been rejected after being in the AT/RB team for two seasons - Lawson is still seen as a prospect, especially given his performances.
 
chrismscotland said:
The reality is Lawson is going to be on the sidelines as Red Bull's reserve, not sure I agree with it but its where everything has been pointing this week.
Personally I'd axe Tsunodo and put Lawson alongside Ricciardo next year but for some reason AT don't seem to want to do that.

I can't see him being allowed to leave like Albon was, Albon had effectively been rejected after being in the AT/RB team for two seasons - Lawson is still seen as a prospect, especially given his performances.
Click to expand...
It certainly looks that way, doesn't it? I thought there would be a bit of a shake-up, but rumors are Alpha Tauri are going to confirm their lineup as Ricciardo and Tsunoda pretty soon.

Mr Jack said:
Axe Pérez, put Tsunoda in his seat - sink or swim - and put DR alongside Lawson in the AT.
Click to expand...
I'd like to see that as well. Perez has had more than enough time now. Time to move on
 
hudson86 said:
On the Sky Podcast , Davidson doesnt expect last weeks technical directives to hugely affect Redbull in Suzuka etc, but does allude to rumours of some teams allowing the skid blocks to move , presumably via floor flexing and allow them to run the car lower...

Around the 23 minute mark.

youtu.be

Is this THE END of Red Bull's dominance this season?! | Sky Sports F1 Podcast

SUBSCRIBE ► http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1In the latest Sky Sports F1 podcast, Simon Lazenby and Anthony Davidson discuss a breathtaking Singapore Grand Prix, ...
youtu.be youtu.be
Click to expand...
I remember years ago the RB guys had some sort of setup that would raise the skid block during the race. I think it worked by using the way different materials expanded/contracted with heat and used this to 'lift' the block/bargeboard higher off the road. Obviously was undetectable as you can't have an FIA guy hanging on to the car at 200mph down a straight measuring it. :D It was genius to be fair, if a bit rule bendy... But that's the name of the game.
 
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KiNgPiN83 said:
I remember years ago the RB guys had some sort of setup that would raise the skid block during the race. I think it worked by using the way different materials expanded/contracted with heat and used this to 'lift' the block/bargeboard higher off the road. Obviously was undetectable as you can't have an FIA guy hanging on to the car at 200mph down a straight measuring it. :D It was genius to be fair, if a bit rule bendy... But that's the name of the game.
Click to expand...
Completely agree, not a big Redbull fan, but if they've found some air or ambiguity between the wording of the rules, then thats F1 and every team is trying to do the same.
 
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