Japanese GP: Suzuka Circuit Presentation

Back on the calendar for the first time since 2006, Suzuka replaces the Fuji circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix. The circuit features many fast corners and sudden changes of direction, which means significant stress on the tires and therefore, a lot of effort for them. However, due to the figure-eight shape of the track, the loads are balanced on each side of the car, which alleviates the problem of wear. Indeed, when excessive wear is observed on one side only, say the left tires for Barcelona, for example, it becomes very problematic for the overall balance of the car. But wear is less burdensome if it is balanced on each side of the car.

The first sector of the circuit is one of the most technical in the world. After the straight line, there is a very fast double right-hand corner with two apexes. The first right can be taken flat out but you must already slow down for the second apex. It is followed by a series of five consecutive turns, alternating left and right. This section is crucial for lap time. It requires a well-balanced car and great confidence from the driver to find the perfect line and the tenths of a second that come with it. It’s always interesting to observe the trajectories of each driver at this point.

The maximum speed at the end of the straight line was 311 km/h in 2006, placing the Japanese circuit fourth in the 2009 calendar for this statistic. It’s a good indicator to understand the level of downforce required for the circuit. Low to moderate downforce is needed, and the car must have a good compromise between aerodynamic downforce and the drag generated. Suzuka has an average lap speed of around 223 km/h, making it one of the fastest circuits on the calendar.

Regarding mechanical settings, the numerous esses require a single-seater with very stiff front suspensions to improve responsiveness in direction changes. The fast corners require a single-seater with a relatively soft rear to limit oversteer. However, the chicane at the end of the lap means that more flexible settings would be preferable. Teams generally choose to prioritize stiffness, which forces drivers not to attack the curbs of this chicane too aggressively.

Over the last five editions of Suzuka, there has only been one deployment of the safety car. A two-stop strategy is the most common during this race, but the Japanese weather can change everything, with the region often being hit by typhoons.