Suzuka; one of the most legendary racing circuits of the world. Found on the south coast of Japan and originally built as a test track by Honda in the 1960s, this is the only circuit on the F1 calender in a figure of eight layout.
This race track has hosted some of the most influential moments in Formula One history, whether you look back to the tantilizing moments between Senna and Prost; Damon’s title victory in 1996; Michael Schumacher’s emotional third title win in 2000, or even Fernando Alonso’s breathtaking pass on the outside of Michael Schumacher at 130R in 2005. You just know that a history defining moment is never too far away at this amazing race track.
Five Things To Expect At The 2015 Japanese Grand Prix.
1. Ferrari Making Gains
Despite Mercedes bringing a new power unit to Monza it is clear Ferrari have not been lying down. Despite Mercedes shocking downturn in form in Singapore that certainly looks to be a one off for the silver arrows, Ferrari are certainly keen to hunt Mercedes down.
Whether it is aero or power unit related the Prancing Horse is galloping towards the front of the pack. Ferrari seem renewed under Maurizio Arrivabene’s leadership and it is certainly showing through. Mercedes called for more competition and it looks like it’s coming; 2016 is looking a great treat already.
2. Manor’s emotional return
For all of those involved with the team, this is going to be a very emotional return to the circuit that took the life of Jules Bianchi last season. It can be said though that despite all of the inevitable talk over what and how it happened; there will be a deep intent to put in a good result for Jules’ memory.
It is still unclear whether there will be any tributes over the race weekend, but there is no doubt everyone up and down the paddock will be remembering Jules and will want to give their all in his memory.
3. Announcements
Over the past few weeks a lot of news stories have certainly gained traction and it looks ever closely that we’re going to get announcements on a few subjects. Jenson Button is rumoured to announcement his retirement from Formula One, Haas set to announce Romain Grosjean, Renault buying the Lotus team, Manor close to Mercedes power units next season as Red Bull and Toro Rosso getting Ferrari power.
There is plenty of big movers in the background of the sport, but the biggest of them all is news leaking out of Audi about a tie-up with Red Bull from 2018 onwards, while there could no imminent confirmation as of yet, watch this space.
4. Talk of track limits
Suzuka is one of the only race tracks that have not leaned to changing their track limits. As such; the only three run offs are at turn one, Spoon Curve and 130R. Everywhere else on the track is still a grass and gravel edge giving the drivers a real challenge; but that’s what it is about isn’t it?
You’ll hear a lot of talk from pundits and commentators on drivers pushing track limits and no doubt see a few of the inexperienced take a few trips into the kitty litter.
5. Title showdown truly begins
Thirteen down, six to go. 49 points separates the top three drivers heading into the final stages of the championship, as I said before it’s clear Ferrari are making in roads to Mercedes dominant speed; but can it make a decisive move in the outcome of the 2015 season?
Lewis Hamilton commands a 41 point lead heading to Suzuka but for the last two races Mercedes have had reliability issues causing a retirement; is this a concern? Ferrari have not been bulletproof either but most issues seem to have affected Kimi’s car and not Sebastian’s.
There is a still a lot that can happen with just six races left and with power units running thin, reliability in question for all concerned; A DNF for any of the three title contenders can really change the dynamic of this championship.
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