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Formula 1's Asian back-to-back arrives at the historic figure-of-eight Suzuka circuit. Designed for Sochiro Honda by John 'Hans' Hugenholtz the track saw its first action way back in 1962 which makes it one of the oldest tracks used by F1. It's arguably one of the most iconic too with a fiendish mix of technical corners and long straights that test real-world and simulation racers alike. Unlike many modern tracks the corners are still revered by name - the Senna esses, Degner, 130R, Spoon... so much more awe-inspiring than "Turn 8".
Suzuka has seen more than its fair share of excitement, drama and tragedy over the years, particularly the famous Senna .vs. Prost incidents and, of course, Jules Bianchi's horrific 2014 accident in terrible weather conditions.
This year sees Hamilton arrive with a 34 point lead in the World Driver's championship after two terrible races for Ferrari. Some would say that Hamilton's pace hasn't justified his luck - and perhaps that's true, he was beaten on straight pace in Malaysia where a DNS for Raikkonnen followed a historic first lap double-DNF for Ferrari in Singapore. Mercedes say that they're working hard to understand where the speed has gone while Ferrari are presumably working hard to get two cars to the end of a race. Vettel is hoping to avoid having to change his gearbox (possibly damaged in Malaysia's bizarre post-race collision with Stroll) and will be aiming for a race-controlling pole position. EDIT: Vettel's gearbox is said to be okay - he'll certainly be hoping it is!
Verstappen will be hoping to take another victory (although statistically he only wins when Kvyat gets demoted) while Ricciardo will be trying hard to get his own Red Bull up into the mix. Bottas will just be trying to regain his form - he describes the second half of the season as his "hardest time in F1, ever".
Pierre Gasly is one to watch this weekend, he knows Suzuka like the back of his hand (even with his gloves on) and impressed with his solid performance for STR in last week's debut.
(Click to enlarge)
Suzuka has seen more than its fair share of excitement, drama and tragedy over the years, particularly the famous Senna .vs. Prost incidents and, of course, Jules Bianchi's horrific 2014 accident in terrible weather conditions.
This year sees Hamilton arrive with a 34 point lead in the World Driver's championship after two terrible races for Ferrari. Some would say that Hamilton's pace hasn't justified his luck - and perhaps that's true, he was beaten on straight pace in Malaysia where a DNS for Raikkonnen followed a historic first lap double-DNF for Ferrari in Singapore. Mercedes say that they're working hard to understand where the speed has gone while Ferrari are presumably working hard to get two cars to the end of a race. Vettel is hoping to avoid having to change his gearbox (possibly damaged in Malaysia's bizarre post-race collision with Stroll) and will be aiming for a race-controlling pole position. EDIT: Vettel's gearbox is said to be okay - he'll certainly be hoping it is!
Verstappen will be hoping to take another victory (although statistically he only wins when Kvyat gets demoted) while Ricciardo will be trying hard to get his own Red Bull up into the mix. Bottas will just be trying to regain his form - he describes the second half of the season as his "hardest time in F1, ever".
Pierre Gasly is one to watch this weekend, he knows Suzuka like the back of his hand (even with his gloves on) and impressed with his solid performance for STR in last week's debut.
(Click to enlarge)
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